Barbados earns WHO recognition for eliminating mother-to-child HIV transmission
WHO certified Barbados after an independent assessment confirmed that it met global elimination targets; no new mother-to-child HIV infections were reported among infants born there from 2022 through 2024. During that period, antenatal care, HIV testing and antiretroviral treatment for pregnant women living with HIV each reached 98% coverage. [7]
Why it matters
Barbados demonstrates a prevention pathway built around free testing and treatment for every pregnant woman, regardless of nationality, alongside early testing and follow-up for exposed babies. WHO’s assessment also found no evidence of coercive reproductive health practices involving women living with HIV. [7]
Key insights
- The finding is elimination as a public health problem—not a claim that HIV itself has disappeared from Barbados. [7]
- High coverage extended across three linked services: antenatal care, HIV testing and treatment for pregnant women living with HIV. [7]
- Maintaining recognition requires continued investment, updated guidelines, stronger information systems and improved follow-up for women and children. [7]