Good News
Barbados stops HIV passing from mothers to babies, WHO confirms
No baby in Barbados got HIV from their mother between 2022 and 2024.
In short
98%of pregnant women tested for HIV
- Zero cases 2022–2024
- 98% tested, 98% treated
- Free care for all pregnant women
What happened
The World Health Organization has certified that Barbados has eliminated mother-to-child transmission of HIV as a public health problem. No new infections in babies through this route were recorded from 2022 to 2024.
98% of pregnant women got antenatal care, 98% were tested, and 98% of those living with HIV received treatment. Testing and treatment are free for every pregnant woman, whatever her nationality.
Why we love it
Barbados joins 26 countries and territories recognised for wiping out, or nearly wiping out, mother-to-baby spread of HIV, syphilis or hepatitis B. It shows simple, free care reaching everyone can end an epidemic among children.
