Maldives’ Triple Health Triumph

The Maldives has made history by becoming the first country in the world to achieve the triple elimination of mother-to-child transmission (EMTCT) of HIV, hepatitis B and syphilis, an outcome of continued commitment to maternal and child health, reported the World Health Organisation (WHO). After reporting zero new paediatric HIV infections and no congenital syphilis cases between 2019 and 2023, the island country included hepatitis B under the ambit and managed to record zero infections among young children, thanks to vaccination coverage of over 95 per cent. This landmark feat was possible because of relentless dedication towards extensive antenatal care and routine screening for communicable diseases during pregnancy. It takes co-ordination and unwavering commitment from all -- mothers who opt for early screening for infections, healthcare workers who ensure that vaccines are administered on time, active community involvement in public health and strong political will – to achieve this milestone. “The Maldives’ triple elimination stands as a powerful example of how sustained investment in health systems, innovation, and community-based care can change the trajectory of public health,” remarked Payden, WHO Representative to the Maldives. This feat serves as a reminder to the rest of the world that sustained investment in health systems and preventive measures will not go to waste; in fact, it can be rewarding and enhance public health. Maldives’ integrated health system and commitment towards equitable access to healthcare services should be emulated by all.

Nagaland can gain valuable insights from the Maldives' recent achievement and its robust healthcare system. As per data, the state is ranked second in India for overall HIV prevalence rate and highest for pregnant women testing positive for HIV during antenatal checkups (ANCs). Sounding alarms over this trend, the state’s Health Minister recently informed that mother-to-child transmission of the deadly virus stands at 5.4 per cent. As for hepatitis B prevalence in the state, it stands at 2.4%, while the hepatitis B prevalence among pregnant women is 0.8%, and hepatitis C is 4.01%. The spread of communicable diseases such as HIV, hepatitis, and syphilis is preventable, as demonstrated by the case of the Maldives. However, lack of medical support, absence of political will, and public negligence have hindered progress in combating these diseases. For instance, mother-to-child transmission of HIV can be curbed through preventive measures including antenatal screening, timely treatment, postnatal care and follow-up practices that are crucial to preventing transmission to the infants, while hepatitis B can be eliminated by administering vaccine at birth. The Maldives has set an exemplary standard for eradicating infectious diseases.