Maldives has earned the World Health Organization (WHO) Certification for Elimination of Mother-to-Child-Transmission (EMTCT) of HIV and Syphilis in the country.

Maldives is the second country in the Southeast Asia Region, and the 12th country in the world, to receive the certification.

WHO Regional Director for Southeast Asia Dr Poonam Khetrapal Singh handed over the certificate to Vice President Faisal Naseem at a ceremony on Monday.

The President’s Office stated that this is the fourth certification of elimination the country has achieved, the previous being malaria, lymphatic filariasis (elephantiasis) and measles. In addition, as a region, Maldives has also achieved the elimination of polio and neonatal tetanus.

During the certification ceremony, Vice President said that we should all be determined to make the extra effort to uphold the momentum of progress and that the government dedicates a large segment of the national budget on the health sector and emphasized the administration's high priority on improving the health sector in the country.

Before the ceremony, Regional Director Dr Poonam Khethrapal Singh paid a courtesy call on the Vice President at the President’s Office.

During the call, the Vice President expressed gratitude for the assistance and technical expertise provided by WHO, and mentioned the progress made in the health sector and challenges to it. He noted the importance given by the Maldives government in the development of the health sector and highlighted recent improvements in the sector.

The Regional Director congratulated Maldives for the achievement and expressed the need for advocacy in preventing and raising awareness of non-communicable diseases in the country. She also assured the Vice President that WHO will continue to provide technical and other needed support to improve the Maldives’ health sector.