Barbados is intensifying efforts to protect mothers and newborns from HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B, aiming to achieve 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), along with a regional laboratory expert, conducted a pre-assessment exercise with national health officials. This readiness assessment mirrors the official EMTCT evaluation and identifies gaps and challenges to be addressed before a formal certification mission.
During the visit, the PAHO team engaged with senior health officials and national counterparts to review objectives and share preliminary findings. They visited key health facilities, including the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, polyclinics, private healthcare centers, and laboratories, to assess services for pregnant and lactating women and ensure diagnostic and testing standards meet international requirements.
The pre-assessment allowed teams to examine HIV services, mother and child clinics, vaccination, diagnosis, treatment, and surveillance services essential for preventing mother-to-child transmission of HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B. Areas for improvement were identified, with recommendations provided to strengthen existing systems and close service gaps.
Dr. Amalia Del Riego, PAHO/WHO Representative for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, emphasized that achieving EMTCT certification would be a national milestone, reflecting the strength and quality of Barbados’ maternal and child health services, sexually transmitted infection programs, and public and private healthcare collaboration. PAHO’s support ensures health equity, reinforces health systems, and promotes sustainable development by minimizing missed opportunities for disease prevention.
World Health Organization certification signifies that a country has robust systems in place to prevent mother-to-child transmission of HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B, alongside high-quality, accessible care for pregnant women and newborns. Through continued dedication and collaboration, Barbados is progressing toward joining the twelve Caribbean countries and territories that have already attained EMTCT certification.
