Elimination of mother-to-child transmission of HIV and syphilis in Belize, Jamaica and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

WHO joins the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) in celebrating the achievement of validation of elimination of mother-to-child transmission (EMTCT) of HIV and syphilis in 3 countries: Belize, Jamaica, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.

The term validation is used to attest that a country has successfully met the criteria for EMTCT of HIV, syphilis and/or hepatitis B virus (HBV). Achieving validation of EMTCT of HIV and syphilis in these countries is a tremendous national accomplishment, requiring country-led accountability, rigorous data analysis, intensive programme assessment, multilevel collaboration and community engagement.

WHO develops and regularly updates guidance on the criteria and processes for validation of EMTCT of HIV, syphilis and HBV. Since 2015, Member States have been able to apply for validation for achieving the reduction of mother-to-child transmission to a level where it is no longer a public health threat or problem.

Cuba was the first country to be validated for EMTCT of HIV and syphilis. Now, with the addition of these 3 countries, 11 countries and territories in the Region of the Americas have achieved this milestone.