Barbados Certified by WHO for Eliminating Mother-to-Child HIV Transmission

The World Health Organization announced on 30 October 2026 that Barbados has eliminated mother-to-child transmission of HIV as a public health problem. The certification followed an independent assessment finding the Caribbean nation met the global targets.

The numbers behind it

Between 2022 and 2024, no new HIV infections from mother to child were reported among babies born in Barbados. Over the same period:

• 98% of pregnant women received antenatal care.
• 98% were tested for HIV.
• 98% of pregnant women living with HIV received antiretroviral treatment.

Barbados becomes one of 26 countries and territories recognized by WHO for eliminating mother-to-child transmission of HIV, syphilis or hepatitis B, or for being on track to do so. Fifteen of them are in the Americas.

What made the difference

Testing and treatment are free for every pregnant woman in Barbados, regardless of nationality, and HIV-exposed babies receive early testing and follow-up. Testing is voluntary and confidential, and WHO found no evidence of coercive reproductive health practices. Queen Elizabeth Hospital handles about 93% of the country's births, which helps services reach nearly everyone.

"I congratulate Barbados on protecting a generation of children from HIV," said WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

Barbados Health Minister Lisa Cummins called the milestone "incredible," saying it helps children live their best lives.

Context and what's next

Other recent certifications in the region include the Bahamas and Turks and Caicos in 2026, Brazil in 2025, and Jamaica and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines in 2024.

Elimination status has to be maintained. WHO and PAHO say Barbados will need to keep investing in services, update its guidelines, strengthen health information systems, expand HIV and syphilis testing, and improve follow-up care for mothers and children.