Taking Steps: A Roadmap to Sustain the EMTCT of HIV and Advance Triple Elimination in The Bahamas

Nassau, The Bahamas., 13 July 2026 -The Ministry of Health and Wellness (MOHW) convened a national workshop to develop a roadmap to sustain The Bahamas' elimination of mother-to-child transmission (EMTCT) of HIV and to advance toward the triple elimination of HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B. The workshop, requested and organized by the Ministry, was delivered with technical support from the Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) and financial support through the Universal Health Coverage Partnership (UHC-P).

Earlier this year, The Bahamas was validated by the WHO for the EMTCT of HIV, a major public health achievement reflecting years of investment in maternal and child health services. The workshop marked the next phase of this work: protecting the gains achieved, maintaining validation status, and expanding elimination efforts to syphilis and hepatitis B.

The well-attended session brought together approximately 40 participants, including healthcare providers from the public and private sectors, laboratory professionals, programme managers, health information specialists, legal and policy representatives, and civil society. Participants reviewed the recommendations of the Regional Validation Committee and the Global Validation Advisory Committee across four pillars: Programs and Services; Laboratory Services; Human Rights, Gender and Community Engagement; and Surveillance and Data Verification. Working groups translated these recommendations into draft action plans with clear responsibilities, timelines, and resource requirements to guide implementation through 2028.

"The Bahamas has every reason to be proud of the progress it has made in eliminating mother-to-child transmission of HIV," said Dr. Eldonna Boisson, PAHO/WHO Representative for The Bahamas and Turks and Caicos Islands, in her opening remarks. "This achievement did not happen by chance. It is the result of years of commitment, strong leadership, dedicated health professionals, and partnerships that have kept mothers and babies at the centre of our efforts."

Dr. Philip Swann, Director of the Department of Public Health, MOHW, stated: "Maintaining EMTCT validation requires sustained vigilance, strong systems, and continued partnership across the health sector. This roadmap gives us a practical, accountable plan to safeguard our achievements and bring the elimination of syphilis and hepatitis B transmission within reach."

Support through the UHC-P reflects broader efforts to integrate maternal and child health, HIV and other STIs, hepatitis, laboratory, and health information programmes within a primary health care approach, delivering more coordinated and people-centred services.

PAHO/WHO remains committed to sustained technical cooperation as the roadmap moves from development to implementation. As Dr.Boisson affirmed, "PAHO/WHO is proud to be your partner on this journey."