WHO certifies SVG for ending HIV and syphilis transmission from mother to child

The World Health Organisation (WHO), has certified St Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG), for the dual elimination of mother to child transmission(EMTCT) of HIV and Syphillis.

A release issued through the permanent secretary in the Ministry of Health on behalf Minister St Clair Prince, commend the dedication and commitment of healthcare workers on achieving this certification.

It said this achievement signals to the world that ending paediatric HIV and congenital syphilis through the elimination of mother to child transmission of these diseases is achievable.

St Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG), is one of the 11 countries which have been certified from the Caribbean and the total of 20 in the world. It is the sixth country within the sub-region of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States to achieve elimination and will be up for re-validation in the next four years.

Multi-country office director for UNAIDS- Jamaica, Dr Richard Amenyah said “This is testament to the resilience and dedication of St. Vincent and the Grenadines and other Caribbean countries in ensuring health systems with strong maternal, neonatal and child health (MNCH) programmes that integrate HIV and syphilis interventions into MNCH services and child health care. It is also recognition of strong and sustained national leadership and commitment to health and EMTCT”.

Co-ordinator of the National Family Planning Programme, and member of the local EMTC team, Sister Arlitha John-Douglas, will represent the Ministry of Health in Kingston, Jamaica, on Tuesday May 7, 2024, to receive this special award certifying the EMTCT.

The Ministry said it will continue to work towards ending HIV/AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.