New Delhi: Belize, Jamaica, and St Vincent and the Grenadines are the first countries in the Americas to achieve the milestone of eliminating mother-to-child transmission of HIV and syphilis (EMTCT), a UNICEF press release stated.
This achievement is a testament to the collaboration of governments, health professionals, and communities in the three countries. It is a milestone in the fight against HIV and syphilis and a clear public health victory. The efforts made to eliminate EMTCT were focused on strengthening prevention and treatment services in primary healthcare, maternal and child health, and supporting the involvement of women in planning and service delivery.
The result has been a significant reduction in new HIV infections among children in the Caribbean, with annual notified cases declining from 2,000 to 1,500 between 2010 and 2022. The elimination of EMTCT is a significant achievement for the people of Belize, Jamaica, and St Vincent and the Grenadines and a powerful demonstration of the resilience of the Caribbean community. It is a clear indicator of the progress made in the fight against HIV and syphilis and a port of hope for a healthier and more productive future for the region.
Also read: Fatal liver cancers growing far more rapidly among Indian women than men, shows latest review