A major milestone for Saint Vincent and the Grenadines during the biennium was the achievement of certification for the elimination of mother-to-child transmission (EMTCT) of HIV and syphilis. 

PAHO played a central role in this achievement by providing sustained technical cooperation to strengthen surveillance, service delivery, and validation processes in line with regional and global criteria. Support included technical guidance to finalize EMTCT dossiers, strengthen data quality and monitoring systems, and ensure alignment of maternal, newborn, and child health services with elimination standards. PAHO facilitated coordination across programs to address prevention, testing, treatment, and follow-up as an integrated continuum of care. 

This certification reflects a durable system-level achievement, demonstrating that health services can be strengthened to prevent vertical transmission. The impact extends beyond the immediate outcome, contributing to reduced infant morbidity and mortality, improved maternal health, and stronger trust in public health services, while positioning the country as a regional example within the Disease Elimination Initiative.

Photo caption: WHO certification achieved for EMTCT of HIV and syphilis

Credit: PAHO Brenda Lashley