Nisha Pandey

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WHO Certifies Barbados For Eliminating Mother-To-Child HIV Transmission: How It Achieved The Milestone

<span>Barbados</span> recently joined the list of 26 countries and territories that have been certified by the <span>World Health Organization</span> for eliminating mother-to-child-transmission (EMTCT) of <span>HIV</span>, syphilis or hepatitis B. 15 of these countries are in the Americas, which makes the region a global leader to achieve this feat.

The major public health milestone comes after years of sustained efforts to prevent mother-to-child-transmission of HIV.

Dr <span>Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus</span>, WHO Director-General, said, “I congratulate Barbados on protecting a generation of children from HIV,” said “Barbados has shown what universal health coverage looks like in practice: free services for every pregnant woman, regardless of nationality, and care that respects her rights and privacy. With 15 countries and territories in the Americas now recognized, the region continues to show the world the way.”

<h2>How Did Barbados Prevent Mother-To-Child HIV Transmission?</h2>

Also read: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/exclusive-with-leading-hiv-expert-whats-driving-rising-hiv-cases-among-young-people-and-how-to-prevent-it-article-156121437" data-type="tilCustomLink">Exclusive With Leading HIV Expert: What's Driving Rising HIV Cases Among India's Youth And How To Prevent It</a>

The Caribbean country's achievement was backed by widespread coverage of antenatal care, HIV testing and antiretroviral treatment.

“Barbados has shown that eliminating mother-to-child transmission of <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/ending-aids-by-2030-now-less-likely-due-to-u-s-cuts-says-unaids-article-151932864" data-type="tilCustomLink">HIV</a> is possible when women and children have access to quality health services without barriers,” said Dr Jarbas Barbosa, Director of the <span>Pan American Health Organization</span> (PAHO) and WHO Regional Director for the Americas. 

“This achievement means that children are born free of HIV and that women living with HIV can access the care and treatment they need. It is a proud moment for Barbados, the Caribbean, and the global effort to end AIDS in children.”

During the three-year period, 98% of pregnant women received antenatal care, 98% were tested for HIV, and 98% of pregnant women living with HIV received antiretroviral treatment.

An essential step in Barbados' HIV elimination strategy is making HIV testing and treatment accessible to all pregnant women. Free HIV testing and treatment are available to all pregnant women regardless of race and nationality. These services are available through public clinics and hospitals.

“This is incredible for us, and it allows us to be able to see our children living their full, best lives. It allows mothers to be able to have the benefit of treatment during pregnancy, before treatment, but also, it means that we're able to ensure that we have a healthier population, and we're able to join the other countries around the globe that have also equally been able to achieve this historic milestone,” said Lisa Cummins, Minister of Health and Wellness of Barbados.

Additionally, pregnant women are offered voluntary and confidential HIV testing. Those who test positive are provided specialised care and treatment to reduce the risk of passing the virus to their babies.

Antiretroviral therapy (ART) is central to preventing mother-to-child HIV transmission. These medicines suppress HIV in the body, reducing the amount of virus in the blood. When an HIV+ pregnant woman receives ART, the risk of transmission to her baby can be reduced significantly.

Barbados also provides early testing and follow-up care for babies at risk of contracting HIV from their mothers.

Also read: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/1-in-60-adults-in-fiji-may-now-have-hiv-as-meth-use-unsafe-injecting-and-treatment-gaps-fuel-surge-article-156169462" data-type="tilCustomLink">1 In 60 Adults In Fiji May Now Have HIV As Meth Use, Unsafe Injecting And Treatment Gaps Fuel Surge</a>

<h2>How Does HIV Pass From Mother To Child?</h2>

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HIV can be transmitted from a woman living with HIV to her child during <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/parenting/infertility-affects-1-in-6-couples-experts-highlight-age-ivf-costs-male-fertility-at-times-health-summit-2026-article-156423617" data-type="tilCustomLink">pregnancy</a>, childbirth or breastfeeding. This is known as vertical transmission or mother-to-child transmission.

Without preventive interventions, the risk of transmission can be significant. However, timely diagnosis, antiretroviral treatment during pregnancy and appropriate care around childbirth can substantially reduce this risk.

With effective treatment and appropriate medical support, women living with HIV can have children who are born without the infection.

The WHO certification recognises that Barbados has brought transmission down to a level at which it is no longer considered a public health problem. It does not mean that HIV has been eliminated from the country.

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HIV- Human Immunodeficiency Disease

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Barbados recently joined the list of 26 countries and territories that have been certified by the World Health Organization for eliminating mother-to-child-transmission (EMTCT) of HIV, syphilis or hepatitis B. 15 of these countries are in the Americas, which makes the region a global leader to achieve this feat. The major public health milestone comes after years of sustained efforts to prevent mother-to-child-transmission of HIV. Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, said, “I congratulate Barbados on protecting a generation of children from HIV,” said “Barbados has shown what universal health coverage looks like in practice: free services for every pregnant woman, regardless of nationality, and care that respects her rights and privacy. With 15 countries and territories in the Americas now recognized, the region continues to show the world the way.”How Did Barbados Prevent Mother-To-Child HIV Transmission?Also read: Exclusive With Leading HIV Expert: What's Driving Rising HIV Cases Among India's Youth And How To Prevent ItThe Caribbean country's achievement was backed by widespread coverage of antenatal care, HIV testing and antiretroviral treatment. “Barbados has shown that eliminating mother-to-child transmission of HIV is possible when women and children have access to quality health services without barriers,” said Dr Jarbas Barbosa, Director of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and WHO Regional Director for the Americas. “This achievement means that children are born free of HIV and that women living with HIV can access the care and treatment they need. It is a proud moment for Barbados, the Caribbean, and the global effort to end AIDS in children.”During the three-year period, 98% of pregnant women received antenatal care, 98% were tested for HIV, and 98% of pregnant women living with HIV received antiretroviral treatment.An essential step in Barbados' HIV elimination strategy is making HIV testing and treatment accessible to all pregnant women. Free HIV testing and treatment are available to all pregnant women regardless of race and nationality. These services are available through public clinics and hospitals.“This is incredible for us, and it allows us to be able to see our children living their full, best lives. It allows mothers to be able to have the benefit of treatment during pregnancy, before treatment, but also, it means that we're able to ensure that we have a healthier population, and we're able to join the other countries around the globe that have also equally been able to achieve this historic milestone,” said Lisa Cummins, Minister of Health and Wellness of Barbados.Additionally, pregnant women are offered voluntary and confidential HIV testing. Those who test positive are provided specialised care and treatment to reduce the risk of passing the virus to their babies.Antiretroviral therapy (ART) is central to preventing mother-to-child HIV transmission. These medicines suppress HIV in the body, reducing the amount of virus in the blood. When an HIV+ pregnant woman receives ART, the risk of transmission to her baby can be reduced significantly.Barbados also provides early testing and follow-up care for babies at risk of contracting HIV from their mothers.Also read: 1 In 60 Adults In Fiji May Now Have HIV As Meth Use, Unsafe Injecting And Treatment Gaps Fuel SurgeHow Does HIV Pass From Mother To Child?            HIV can be transmitted from a woman living with HIV to her child during pregnancy, childbirth or breastfeeding. This is known as vertical transmission or mother-to-child transmission.Without preventive interventions, the risk of transmission can be significant. However, timely diagnosis, antiretroviral treatment during pregnancy and appropriate care around childbirth can substantially reduce this risk.With effective treatment and appropriate medical support, women living with HIV can have children who are born without the infection.The WHO certification recognises that Barbados has brought transmission down to a level at which it is no longer considered a public health problem. It does not mean that HIV has been eliminated from the country.

who certifies barbados for eliminating mother-to-child hiv transmission: how it achieved the milestone

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WHO Certifies Barbados For Eliminating Mother-To-Child HIV Transmission: How It Achieved The Milestone

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