The World Health Organization has officially certified Turks and Caicos Islands for eliminating mother-to-child transmission of HIV and hepatitis B, marking a significant public health milestone for the Caribbean region. The certification, announced on June 3, 2026, makes Turks and Caicos the third Caribbean territory to achieve this status after Cuba and Anguilla.
Key takeaways
- Turks and Caicos joins only 14 countries worldwide certified for eliminating both HIV and hepatitis B mother-to-child transmission
- The territory achieved less than 2% transmission rates for HIV and less than 2% prevalence for hepatitis B surface antigen in children
- This certification demonstrates the effectiveness of comprehensive antenatal screening and treatment programs in small island developing states
WHO Certifications for Eliminating Mother-to-Child Transmission
Caribbean progress in HIV and hepatitis B elimination, 2015-2026
Source: WHO, 2026 | Georgian Medical Journal News
Caribbean Region Leads Global Elimination Efforts
The certification process requires countries to demonstrate sustained elimination of mother-to-child transmission over at least two years. For HIV, this means reducing transmission rates to less than 2% among non-breastfeeding populations. For hepatitis B, the target is achieving less than 2% prevalence of hepatitis B surface antigen among children under five years old.
According to the Pan American Health Organization, the Caribbean region has emerged as a leader in eliminating mother-to-child transmission. Cuba became the first country worldwide to receive dual certification in 2015, followed by several other Caribbean nations achieving certification for HIV elimination.
Comprehensive Prevention Strategy Shows Results
The success in Turks and Caicos demonstrates the effectiveness of integrated antenatal care programs that combine HIV and hepatitis B screening with immediate treatment initiation. The territory implemented universal screening for pregnant women, antiretroviral therapy for HIV-positive mothers, and hepatitis B vaccination programs for newborns.
Small island developing states like Turks and Caicos face unique challenges in healthcare delivery, including limited resources and geographic isolation. However, their smaller populations allow for more targeted interventions and comprehensive coverage of pregnant women, as highlighted in the global health initiatives section.
The certification validates that Turks and Caicos has implemented robust health systems capable of preventing vertical transmission of two major infectious diseases simultaneously.
— Dr. Jarbas Barbosa, PAHO Director (WHO announcement, 2026)
Implications for Regional Health Security
This achievement contributes to broader regional goals for eliminating mother-to-child transmission across the Americas. The Pan American Health Organization has set targets for all countries in the region to achieve elimination by 2030 as part of the Sustainable Development Goals.
The certification also demonstrates progress in healthcare quality and safety standards, particularly in maternal and child health services. The success provides a model for other small island developing states facing similar healthcare delivery challenges.
What this means
Frequently asked questions
What does WHO certification for elimination mean?
WHO certification confirms that a country has reduced mother-to-child transmission rates below specific thresholds and maintained these low levels for at least two consecutive years with robust surveillance systems.
How many countries have achieved dual certification?
Only 14 countries and territories worldwide have received WHO certification for eliminating both HIV and hepatitis B mother-to-child transmission, making this achievement relatively rare globally.
Why is the Caribbean region successful in elimination efforts?
Caribbean islands benefit from smaller, more manageable populations, strong regional cooperation through PAHO, and targeted public health programs that can achieve comprehensive coverage of pregnant women.
The certification of Turks and Caicos represents continued progress toward the global goal of eliminating mother-to-child transmission of HIV and hepatitis B. As more Caribbean territories achieve these milestones, the region is positioning itself as a model for other small island developing states worldwide to follow similar integrated prevention strategies.
Source: WHO certifies Turks and Caicos for eliminating mother-to-child transmission of HIV and hepatitis B
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Medically reviewed by Prof. Giorgi Pkhakadze, MD, MPH, PhD. Spotted an error? Contact the editorial team.
