BRIDGETOWN, Barbados — Barbados has been certified by the World Health Organisation (WHO) for eliminating mother-to-child transmission of HIV as a public health problem, following years of work to expand access to testing, treatment and care for pregnant women.

An independent assessment confirmed that the country met the global targets for elimination. Between 2022 and 2024, no new HIV infections resulting from mother-to-child transmission were reported among infants born in Barbados.

The assessment also found that 98 per cent of pregnant women received antenatal care, 98 per cent were tested for HIV, and 98 per cent of pregnant women living with HIV received antiretroviral treatment during the three-year period.

WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus congratulated Barbados, highlighting its provision of free services to pregnant women regardless of nationality.

“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,” he said.

Barbados now joins 26 countries and territories worldwide recognised by WHO for eliminating mother-to-child transmission of HIV, syphilis or hepatitis B, or for being on track to achieve it. Fifteen of those countries and territories are in the Americas, making it the leading region for these achievements.

Dr Jarbas Barbosa, director of the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) and WHO regional director for the Americas, said the achievement demonstrated what was possible when women and children could access quality healthcare without barriers.

He said it meant children could be born free of HIV while women living with the virus received the treatment and care they needed.

Barbados’ Minister of Health and Wellness, Lisa Cummins, described the certification as an important moment for the country, saying it would help children live full lives and contribute to a healthier population.

The achievement follows a long-standing partnership between the Government of Barbados, PAHO/WHO and other organisations to strengthen HIV services, disease monitoring and the quality of healthcare.

Regional partners also welcomed the announcement. UNICEF’s regional director for Latin America and the Caribbean, Robert Benes, said the milestone meant an HIV diagnosis during pregnancy no longer had to result in transmission to a child.

UNAIDS regional director Luisa Cabal credited the work of healthcare workers, people living with HIV, civil society and political and technical leaders, pointing to sustained investment in health services grounded in human rights and gender equality.

Barbados provides universal healthcare through its public clinics and hospitals, with Queen Elizabeth Hospital accounting for about 93 per cent of births. HIV testing and treatment are free for pregnant women, regardless of nationality, while babies exposed to HIV receive early testing and follow-up care.

Testing is voluntary and confidential. The WHO assessment also found no evidence of coercive reproductive health practices involving women living with HIV, while civil society organisations help support access to care.

Maintaining its elimination status will require continued investment, updated guidelines, stronger health information systems, expanded HIV and syphilis testing, and improved follow-up for women and children.

The certification follows similar recognition for the Bahamas and Turks and Caicos in 2026, Brazil in 2025, and Jamaica and St Vincent and the Grenadines in 2024.