PAHO supported Barbados in making progress under the Disease Elimination Initiative by strengthening capacities for integrated surveillance and validation processes related to the elimination of mother-to-child transmission of HIV and syphilis. During the biennium, Barbados implemented targeted surveillance actions, adapted elimination tools to the small-island context, and finalized elimination dossiers with PAHO technical support. These outputs reinforced national capacities for monitoring, quality assurance, and evidence generation, positioning the country to sustain gains in maternal and child health. 

By strengthening systems that ensure timely detection, treatment, and follow-up, this achievement contributes to improved health outcomes for mothers and newborns and supports Barbados’ commitment to high-quality care for all across the life course.

Photo caption: Pre-assessment exercise for the elimination of mother-to-child transmission (EMTCT) of HIV certification
Photo credit: PAHO/Brenda Lashley