Health leaders, technical experts, and country representatives from 19 CARICOM Member States have gathered in Trelawny, Jamaica, for the Caribbean Workshop on the Strengthening of EMTCT Plus within Maternal and Child Health (MCH). This timely workshop celebrates the region’s leadership in eliminating mother-to-child transmission (EMTCT) of HIV and syphilis and reinforces a collective commitment to strengthen prevention and response efforts against HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B.
Organised by the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) in collaboration with the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and the United Nations Office for South-South Cooperation, and supported by the India-UN Development Partnership Fund, the initiative represents a significant investment in the health and wellbeing of mothers and children throughout the region.
Over the two-day workshop, participants will share national experiences, discuss implementation strategies, and develop action plans to maintain and build on EMTCT gains. Country-led sessions will feature innovations from Belize, Jamaica, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and Trinidad and Tobago, and explore opportunities for South-South cooperation, laboratory strengthening, data quality improvements, and communication for health.
The Caribbean has made important strides. In 2023, eight countries and territories – Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Bermuda, Cayman Islands, Cuba, Dominica, Montserrat, and St. Kitts and Nevis – were revalidated as having achieved EMTCT of HIV and syphilis. In 2024, Belize, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and Jamaica also earned certification, reflecting years of investment in integrated care, community outreach, and public health leadership. As stated by Sandra Jones, HIV/STI, TB and Viral Hepatitis Advisor at the PAHO/WHO Caribbean Office, “It is a true reflection of the integration of EMTCT, HIV, STIs and Hepatitis virus into MCH programs”.
Speaking on behalf of Ian Stein, PAHO/WHO Representative for Jamaica, Bermuda, and the Cayman Islands, Dr. Paul Edwards, Advisor HIV/STI Surveillance at PAHO/WHO commended these milestones stating that “This gathering comes at a very critical moment for the Caribbean region… these milestones represent far more than a commendable achievement, it stands as a powerful testament to what can be accomplished through strategic partnerships, long-term investments and unwavering commitment to health equity.”
Despite this progress, recent data reported to PAHO indicate a 40% increase in congenital syphilis cases across the Americas between 2016 and 2022, with more than 36,000 cases reported in 2022 alone. Nineteen out of 26 reporting countries also noted increases in syphilis among pregnant women during that period. These trends are a reminder of the continued need for vigilance and sustained action.
Countries are actively scaling up screening and point-of-care testing, updating clinical protocols, expanding surveillance systems, and intensifying advocacy and community engagement. The elimination of mother-to-child transmission of HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B remains a key pillar of PAHO’s broader elimination agenda and a top priority for health systems in the region. By addressing these challenges head-on, Caribbean nations are working toward a future where every mother and child can thrive and live free from these infections. As the Caribbean advances toward more equitable and resilient health systems, this workshop reflects the region’s dedication to leaving no one behind and ensuring sustained protection for generations to come.
Acknowledgement
PAHO/WHO provided this content.
Photo: Sandra Jones, PAHO’s advisor for HIV/STI/TB and Viral Hepatitis, Caribbean Sub-regional Office
