Barbados is certified by WHO for eliminating mother-to-child HIV transmission
Babies born from 2022 to 2024 had no new HIV infections from their mothers, an independent review found.
- WHO/PAHO announcement: 30 Oct 2026
- No infant infections among births in 2022–24
- One of 26 countries recognised
What was certified
The WHO, working with PAHO, announced on 30 October that Barbados has eliminated mother-to-child transmission of HIV as a public health problem. An independent assessment found that infants born in 2022 to 2024 had no new infections from mother-to-child transmission. Positive News adds that 98% of pregnant women were tested for HIV and 98% of those with the virus received antiretroviral treatment.
How
HIV testing and treatment are free for all pregnant women regardless of nationality, with early testing and follow-up for exposed babies. Barbados is one of 26 countries and territories recognised for eliminating mother-to-child transmission of HIV, syphilis or hepatitis B, or for being on track, and it must keep up testing and treatment to hold the status.
