Barbados prepares for certification to end mother-to-child transmission of HIV, Syphilis, and Hepatitis B

Bridgetown, Barbados, 3 October 2025 (PAHO) - Barbados is stepping up efforts to protect mothers and babies from HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B, with the goal of achieving international certification for the elimination of mother-to-child transmission (EMTCT) of HIV by the end of 2025.

From September 30 to October 3, 2025, a team from the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), working alongside a regional laboratory expert, collaborated with a national health team to conduct a pre-assessment exercise. This readiness assessment mirrors the process of an official EMTCT evaluation and helps identify gaps and challenges so they can be addressed before a formal certification mission.

During the visit, the PAHO team met with senior health officials and national counterparts to outline the objectives and share preliminary findings. The team then visited a range of health facilities, including the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, polyclinics, and a private health care facility, to assess services for pregnant and lactating women. Laboratories were also visited to check that testing and diagnostic services meet the required standards.

This process allowed the teams to review HIV services, mother and child clinics, vaccination, diagnosis and treatment, and surveillance services that are critical to preventing mother-to-child transmission of HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B. They also identified areas where improvements can be made and offered recommendations to close those gaps.

"Achieving EMTCT certification would be a national milestone for Barbados," said Dr. Amalia Del Riego, PAHO/WHO Representative for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean Countries.

"It demonstrates the strength of Barbados' HIV services. It also shows the quality of public health services and especially maternal and child health (MCH) and sexually transmitted infection (STI) services and their commitment to ensure that every child has the healthiest start in life. The private health sector also plays a fundamental role in the health system and is an important pillar in achieving universal health coverage and sustainable development.

For PAHO, the sum of all these services is critical to ensure health equity, strengthen health systems, and improve population's health. Providing support to Barbados in this elimination process is an important dimension for PAHO aiming to ensuring no missed opportunities for prevention of diseases."

Certification by the World Health Organization (WHO) signals that a country has strong systems in place to prevent the transmission of HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B from mother to child. It also reflects the delivery of high-quality, accessible care for pregnant women and newborns.

With continued collaboration and dedication, Barbados is moving closer to joining the other twelve (12) countries and territories in the Caribbean that have already achieved EMTCT certification.