The World Health Organization (WHO) has officially certified the Commonwealth of The Bahamas for eliminating mother-to-child transmission of HIV and syphilis. This achievement, announced in 2024, makes The Bahamas the first country in the Caribbean and only the second in the Americas, after Cuba, to receive this dual validation.
The certification recognizes that the country met the WHO's rigorous targets, including providing 95% of pregnant women with antenatal care and HIV testing, and ensuring 95% of HIV-positive pregnant women receive antiretroviral treatment. These measures reduce the risk of transmission to below 5%.
The Caribbean region has a high burden of HIV, particularly among women. The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) notes that the success in The Bahamas is attributed to strong political commitment, integrated maternal and child health services, and a robust national laboratory network.
This milestone is a significant public health victory. It demonstrates that focused interventions can effectively protect newborns from these infections, even in regions with concentrated epidemics.
