WHO Certifies The Bahamas for Eliminating Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV

On April 22, 2026, the World Health Organization (WHO) officially certified The Bahamas for eliminating mother-to-child transmission of HIV, marking a significant public health milestone for the Caribbean nation. This achievement reflects years of sustained political commitment, integrated healthcare strategies, and dedicated efforts by health workers across the country.

Understanding the WHO Certification Criteria

To receive WHO certification for eliminating mother-to-child transmission of HIV, countries must demonstrate sustained progress in reducing transmission rates to less than 2%. The Bahamas met this threshold, with official data confirming that the mother-to-child transmission rate of HIV remains below two percent. Additional validation targets included a perinatal HIV incidence below 0.3 per 1,000 live births and over 95 percent coverage of antenatal care, HIV testing, and treatment.

These results were verified through a rigorous process involving data validation, stakeholder interviews, and both virtual and in-country assessments. Following an October 2025 validation mission and subsequent review by regional and local validation committees, WHO granted formal certification.

How The Bahamas Achieved This Milestone

The Bahamas’ success stems from a comprehensive and inclusive healthcare model pioneered nationwide. Central to this achievement is the provision of universal antenatal care to all pregnant women, regardless of nationality or legal status, across both public and private health facilities. This approach ensures equitable access to essential services from the earliest stages of pregnancy.

The country’s strategy is supported by a strong, integrated laboratory network and a rigorous testing protocol that screens women at their first antenatal visit and again in the third trimester. Elimination of mother-to-child transmission (EMTCT) interventions are fully embedded within antenatal care standards and norms, implemented under the Maternal and Child Health (MCH) programme. The MCH programme collaborates closely with the National Infectious Disease Programme, which oversees HIV prevention, treatment, and broader sexually transmitted infection (STI) control efforts.

A Regional Example of Public Health Progress

The Bahamas’ certification is part of a broader regional effort to eliminate mother-to-child transmission of HIV and other congenital infections. The country’s achievements contribute to the EMTCT Plus Initiative, which aims to end mother-to-child transmission of HIV, syphilis, hepatitis B, and congenital Chagas disease across the Americas.

Health officials emphasized that while transmission is not zero, the current levels are so low that they no longer constitute a significant public health threat. During the review period, only two infants were born with HIV out of nearly 10,000 live births. In some years, no babies were born with HIV, underscoring the consistency of the nation’s progress.

Leadership and Global Recognition

WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus praised the achievement, stating that it “solidifies years of political commitment and the dedication of health workers.” He added that ensuring children are born free of HIV helps secure a healthier, brighter future for the next generation.

Dr. Jarbas Barbosa, Director of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and WHO Regional Director for the Americas, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the milestone as both a moment of national pride and an opportunity to build on this success in the fight against HIV and other communicable diseases.

Looking Ahead: Sustaining the Gains

Officials stressed that certification is not an endpoint but a commitment to maintaining high standards. The Bahamas plans to sustain these achievements through continued investment in integrated primary care, robust surveillance systems, and ongoing efforts to strengthen equity and access in healthcare delivery.

As noted by Dr. Nikkiah Forbes, Director of the National Infectious Diseases Programme, this success reflects strong national systems spanning prevention, clinical care, diagnostics, surveillance, and an enabling environment grounded in equity and access.

Key Takeaways

• The Bahamas was certified by WHO on April 22, 2026, for eliminating mother-to-child transmission of HIV.
• To qualify, the country demonstrated a mother-to-child HIV transmission rate below 2%, perinatal HIV incidence under 0.3 per 1,000 live births, and over 95% coverage of essential antenatal services.
• Universal antenatal care, integrated testing protocols, and coordination between MCH and infectious disease programmes were central to the success.
• During the review period, only two infants were born with HIV out of nearly 10,000 live births; in some years, there were zero cases.
• The achievement is part of the broader EMTCT Plus Initiative targeting HIV, syphilis, hepatitis B, and congenital Chagas disease.
• Sustained political will, health workforce dedication, and equitable access to care underpinned this public health milestone.

The Bahamas’ accomplishment serves as a model for other nations striving to eliminate mother-to-child transmission of HIV and improve maternal and child health outcomes through equitable, evidence-based healthcare strategies.