A major global health breakthrough: Barbados eliminates mother-to-child HIV transmission

“I congratulate Barbados on protecting a generation of children from HIV,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “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.”

Barbados now joins a group of 26 countries and territories worldwide recognized by WHO for eliminating mother-to-child transmission (EMTCT) of HIV, syphilis or hepatitis B, or for being on track to achieve it. Fifteen are in the Americas, making the region the global leader in these achievements.

Certification by WHO follows an independent assessment confirming that Barbados met the global targets on elimination of mother-to-child transmission of HIV. From 2022 to 2024, no new HIV infections resulting from mother-to-child transmission were reported among infants born in Barbados.

“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.”

The assessment found consistently high coverage across the board: 98% of pregnant women received antenatal care, 98% were tested for HIV, and 98% of pregnant women living with HIV received antiretroviral treatment during the three-year period.

“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.

A long-standing collaboration between the Government of Barbados, PAHO/WHO and other partners to strengthen HIV services, surveillance and quality of care has made this achievement possible.