St Vincent & the Grenadines eliminates mother-to-child transmission of HIV, syphilis

St. Vincent & the Grenadines has recently achieved a significant milestone, joining 10 other Caribbean nations in obtaining certification from the United Nations Programme on HIV and AIDS (UNAIDS) for the dual elimination of mother-to-child transmission (EMTCT) of HIV and syphilis.

This accomplishment also marks St. Vincent & the Grenadines as the sixth member state of the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) to achieve such certification, which will undergo re-validation in the coming four years.

Winnie Byanyima, the Executive Director of Joint UNAIDS, conveyed her appreciation in a letter dated April 24 to Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves, stating, “This achievement signals to the world that ending paediatric HIV and mother-to-child transmission of syphilis is achievable.”

Byanyima emphasized the Caribbean’s significant role, with 11 out of the 20 certified countries hailing from the region. She praised the resilience and commitment of St. Vincent & the Grenadines and its Caribbean counterparts in fortifying health systems, especially maternal, neonatal, and child health (MNCH) programs that integrate HIV and syphilis interventions.

Acknowledging the leadership and dedication of the St. Vincent & the Grenadines government, Byanyima lauded their efforts in translating political commitment into tangible actions. She highlighted the collaborative efforts of healthcare professionals, including clinical care managers, MNCH nurses, primary health nurses, community nurses, health aides, laboratory technicians, data and surveillance officers, and members of the National Validation Team.

Byanyima stressed the importance of sustaining biomedical and health system requirements, along with human rights, gender equality, and community engagement, particularly involving women living with HIV. She reassured continued support from UNAIDS to St. Vincent & the Grenadines in maintaining this progress, underscoring the island’s contribution to ensuring no child is born with HIV and syphilis in the Caribbean.

This milestone aligns with global efforts to end AIDS as a public health threat by 2030, with St. Vincent & the Grenadines’ leadership and hard work playing a pivotal role in this collective endeavor.