May 10, 2024
In 2015, Cuba made history by becoming the first country in the world to achieve the dual elimination of HIV and syphilis.
THREE MORE countries in the Caribbean have eliminated the mother-to-child transmission of HIV and syphilis.
Belize, Jamaica, and St Vincent and the Grenadines are the latest countries to receive certification from the World Health Organisation (WHO) for achieving the milestone.
At a commemorative event organised by the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) in Kingston, Jamaica, with support from UNICEF and UNAIDS, the three countries were celebrated for stopping the transmission of the diseases.
“This achievement is a testament to years of dedication, hard work, and collaboration among governments, health professionals, and communities”, PAHO Director Dr Jarbas Barbosa said at the event.
‘Remarkable resillience’
The three Caribbean nations were also praised for their “remarkable resilience” displayed during the COVID-19 pandemic
“I trust that the celebration today will inspire other countries to reinvigorate their commitments” towards a generation free of HIV and congenital syphilis.
In 2015, Cuba made history by becoming the first country in the world to achieve the dual elimination of HIV and syphilis.
Dr Barbosa added he hoped other countries would be inspired by Belize, Jamaica and St Vincent and the Grenadines and also work towards eradicating HIV and congenital syphilis.
In a video message, WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, praised the Caribbean nations for the landmark goal.
Healthier Caribbean
Kevin Bernard, Minister of Health and Wellness of Belize, said: “Eliminating mother to child transmission of HIV and syphilis is an extremely significant accomplishment for the people and the country of Belize. “The activities leading up to this momentous goal were not always easy, however with the commitment and motivation of our health care workers, in all areas of health, this has become a reality. We continue to work towards achieving public health goals for a healthier and more productive Belize.”
In 2010, countries of the Americas committed to the elimination of mother-to-child transmission of HIV and syphilis and endorsed the regional strategy, which was updated in 2016 under the PAHO Plan of Action for the Prevention and Control of HIV and Sexually Transmitted Infections.
To meet elimination targets, countries focused on strengthening prevention and treatment services within primary health care and in maternal and child health, updating guidelines, ensuring the effective screening of pregnant women, monitoring cases and following-up with HIV and syphilis exposed infants.
Dr Christopher Tufton, Minister of Health and Wellness of Jamaica, said: “The elimination of mother-to-child transmission of HIV and syphilis is a win that underscores protecting the health of all. It is also exemplary of the extraordinary progress being made in our maternal health care. What’s more, it is vitally important that we consolidate the gains made from this achievement, especially through continued community engagement and partnership in the public health interest of all.”
Other countries
Globally, 19 countries and territories have now been certified for eliminating mother-to-child transmission of HIV and/or syphilis, with 11 of them located in the Caribbean.
In 2017, Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Bermuda, Cayman Islands and Montserrat and St Kitts and Nevis were certified by the WHO as having eliminated mother-to-child transmission of HIV and syphilis.
Dominica achieved the same three years later, in 2020.
St Clair Jimmy Prince, Minister of Health, Wellness and the Environment of St Vincent and the Grenadines, said: “I commend the dedication and commitment of healthcare workers on achieving certification by the World Health Organisation (WHO) of the dual elimination of mother to child transmission (EMTCT) of HIV and syphilis. This achievement signals to the world that ending paediatric HIV and congenital syphilis through the elimination of mother to child transmission of HIV and syphilis is achievable. The Ministry will continue to work towards ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.”