India, Oct. 14 -- The World Health Organization (WHO) has validated the Maldives for eliminating mother-to-child transmission (EMTCT) of hepatitis B, while maintaining its earlier validation (in 2019) for EMTCT of HIV and syphilis.

This makes the Maldives the first country in the world to achieve 'triple elimination'.

"Maldives has shown that with strong political will and sustained investment in maternal and child health, elimination of mother-to-child transmission of these deadly diseases, and the suffering they bring, is possible," said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. "This historic milestone provides hope and inspiration for countries everywhere working towards the same goal."

"Maldives' achievement is a testam...