The Bahamas Eliminates Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV and Hepatitis B
The World Health Organization (WHO) and the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) have certified The Bahamas for eliminating mother-to-child transmission (EMTCT) of HIV and hepatitis B. This certification recognizes that the country has met specific criteria for reducing transmission rates, maintaining healthcare coverage, and sustaining these results over time.
Certification Criteria
To receive WHO certification, a country must meet several rigorous indicators, including:
- A mother-to-child HIV transmission rate below 2%.
- Fewer than 5 new pediatric HIV infections per 1,000 live births.
- At least 95% coverage for antenatal care, HIV testing, and treatment for pregnant women.
Methodology and Implementation
The Bahamas achieved these certifications through a universal healthcare approach for all pregnant women, regardless of nationality or legal status. Key implementation measures included:
- An integrated laboratory network and standard testing protocols.
- Screening for HIV at the first antenatal appointment and again in the third trimester.
- Integration of elimination interventions into the standard Maternal and Child Health programme.
- Coordination between the Maternal and Child Health programme and the National Infectious Disease Programme.
- Provision of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) to pregnant women.
- Provision of free sexually transmitted infection (STI) treatment and family planning services.
"A lot of people have been involved in us achieving this great milestone – our nurses in our public health system, our nurses and doctors in our tertiary health-care system and, by extension, all of the clinics spread throughout our archipelago."
— Dr. Michael Darville, Bahamas Minister of Health
Regional and Global Context
The Bahamas is now the 12th country or territory in the Region of the Americas to be certified for eliminating mother-to-child transmission of HIV. Other certified nations in the region include:
- Cuba — the first country globally to receive the certification in 2015.
- Brazil — certified in 2023.
- Caribbean territories and nations certified between 2017 and the present: Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Belize, Bermuda, Cayman Islands, Dominica, Jamaica, Montserrat, Saint Kitts and Nevis, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.
These certifications followed a 2010 commitment by countries of the Americas to eliminate mother-to-child transmission of HIV and syphilis. The certification for The Bahamas is part of the broader EMTCT Plus Initiative, which aims to eliminate mother-to-child transmission of HIV, syphilis, hepatitis B, and congenital Chagas disease. This initiative is embedded within PAHO's Elimination Initiative to eliminate more than 30 communicable diseases in the Americas by 2030.
"Latin America and the Caribbean has long been a beacon of progress in this global effort."
— Anurita Bains, UNICEF Representative
Globally, UNAIDS reports that new HIV infections among children reduced by 62% between 2010 and 2024, from 310,000 to 120,000.
Statements from Officials
"I congratulate The Bahamas on this outstanding achievement, which solidifies years of political commitment, and the dedication of health workers."
— Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General
"This achievement reflects sustained political commitment and strong national leadership, alongside the dedication and compassion of the health workforce."
— Dr. Jarbas Barbosa, PAHO Director
"The Bahamas are showing that eliminating mother-to-child transmission of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections is possible."
— Winnie Byanyima, UNAIDS Executive Director