Overview
- WHO on October 13 validated elimination of mother‑to‑child hepatitis B transmission for the Maldives, building on its 2019 validations for HIV and syphilis to confirm triple elimination.
- Over 95% of pregnant women receive antenatal care with near‑universal testing for HIV, syphilis and hepatitis B, while more than 95% of newborns receive a timely hepatitis B birth dose with full vaccine coverage.
- Program outcomes show no infants were born with HIV or syphilis in 2022 and 2023, and a 2023 national survey detected zero hepatitis B among first‑grade children.
- Universal health coverage provides free antenatal services, vaccines and diagnostics for all residents, including migrants, supported by strong policies and health spending exceeding 10% of GDP.
- Plans to sustain progress include digital health information systems, targeted outreach to key populations and migrants, stronger private sector reporting and improved laboratory quality, with elimination defined as very low transmission maintained by ongoing surveillance.