Mother-to-child HIV transmission ending in Barbados – WHO

Barbados is on track to become the 12th Caribbean nation to achieve official recognition for eliminating mother-to-child transmission of HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B by the end of 2025. This milestone follows a pre-assessment conducted by the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO), which highlighted significant progress and dedication across the island’s healthcare system. The certification process, expected to conclude by year-end, mirrors successful efforts in Belize, Jamaica, and St Vincent and the Grenadines in 2024. Cuba set the precedent a decade ago as the first country globally to eliminate both HIV and syphilis transmission from mother to child. Last week, a PAHO team, accompanied by a regional laboratory expert, collaborated with Barbados’ national health team to conduct a comprehensive pre-assessment. The review, designed to identify gaps and challenges, included visits to key health facilities such as the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, polyclinics, and private medical centers. The delegation evaluated services for pregnant and lactating women, inspected laboratories, and reviewed HIV services, maternal and child clinics, vaccination programs, and disease surveillance systems. Dr. Amalia Del Riego, PAHO/WHO Representative for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean Countries, emphasized the significance of this achievement, stating that it reflects the strength of Barbados’ HIV and maternal health services and its commitment to ensuring every child has a healthy start in life. PAHO’s support aims to strengthen health systems, promote health equity, and prevent missed opportunities for disease prevention. WHO certification confirms a country’s ability to deliver high-quality, accessible care to pregnant women and newborns, safeguarding them from HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B transmission.