Barbados has been officially certified by the World Health Organization (WHO) for eliminating mother-to-child transmission of HIV, becoming the latest Caribbean country or territory to reach the public health milestone.
The certification brings to 15 the number of Caribbean countries and territories recognised by WHO for achieving the elimination of mother-to-child transmission (EMTCT) of HIV.
The achievement was formally recognised at a ceremony hosted by Barbados’ Ministry of Health and Wellness and the Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) at the Sandals Royal Ballroom in Christ Church on Friday, October 30.
Between 2022 and 2024, Barbados recorded 6,352 live births with no new HIV infections resulting from mother-to-child transmission, marking a significant achievement in protecting the health of mothers and children.
The milestone was welcomed by Dr Wendy Telgt-Emanuelson, Director of the Pan Caribbean Partnership against HIV and AIDS (PANCAP) Coordinating Unit, who described the accomplishment as one with significance extending beyond Barbados.
“The certification of the elimination of mother-to-child transmission of HIV is more than a public health achievement.”
Dr Telgt-Emanuelson said the recognition reflected years of commitment and investment in safeguarding the health of mothers and their children.
She emphasised that Barbados’ experience demonstrated what countries could achieve through sustained political commitment, strong health systems and accessible, people-centred healthcare services.
“This milestone also demonstrates what is possible when political commitment is translated into sustained investment, strong health systems, and people-centred services.”
Caribbean urged to accelerate progress towards 2030
The achievement comes as Caribbean countries continue working towards the shared ambition of ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.
Dr Telgt-Emanuelson said Barbados’ certification provides an important example for the region, demonstrating that eliminating mother-to-child transmission is an achievable public health objective.
“As we look toward 2030 and our shared ambition of ending AIDS as a public health threat, Barbados reminds us that elimination is not merely an aspiration. It is achievable.”
She urged other CARICOM Member States to draw inspiration from Barbados and intensify efforts towards their own elimination targets.
However, she cautioned that the achievement also carries a responsibility to protect the progress already made and ensure that the gains are sustained.
“Today’s celebration also carries a responsibility: to sustain these gains, protect the progress made, and inspire every country across our Region to accelerate its own journey towards elimination.”
Barbados’ certification represents an important contribution to the Caribbean’s regional HIV response and reinforces the importance of sustained investment in maternal and child health services.
The announcement was published by the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) on November 5, 2026, under the headline A Victory beyond Barbados: HIV Elimination Milestone Inspires Caribbean Path to 2030.
The regional organisation said the achievement should serve as motivation for countries across the Caribbean as they work towards the 2030 goal.
