Barbados eliminates mother-to-child HIV transmission

On October 30, WHO certified Barbados as having eliminated mother-to-child transmission of HIV as a public health problem. An independent assessment found no new infant HIV infections from vertical transmission reported from 2022 through 2024. Across the three years, 98% of pregnant women received antenatal care, 98% were tested for HIV and 98% of pregnant women living with HIV received antiretroviral treatment. Public clinics and hospitals provide universal care; testing and treatment are free for every pregnant woman regardless of nationality, and exposed babies receive early testing and follow-up. Barbados joins 26 countries and territories worldwide recognized for eliminating or approaching elimination of vertical transmission of HIV, syphilis or hepatitis B, including 15 in the Americas. Certification does not mean HIV has disappeared. Maintaining it requires investment, updated guidance, stronger information systems, wider dual HIV-syphilis testing and better follow-up.