On 30 October, the World Health Organization announced that Barbados had eliminated mother-to-child transmission of HIV as a public health problem. An independent assessment verified that the required targets were met; no new infant infections through this route were reported between 2022 and 2024. [1]

The achievement was recognised at a ceremony in Christ Church on 30 October. Local reporting describes decades of work: certification does not end prevention, which continues to involve health services, staff and communities. [2]

Testing and treatment are free for every pregnant woman, regardless of nationality, and HIV-exposed babies receive early checks. This does not mean HIV has disappeared from the island: maintaining this protection requires investment, surveillance and continuing care. [1]