TCI Achieves Historic Milestone With Elimination Of Mother-To-Child Transmission Of HIV And Hepatitis B
- Vivian Tyson, NewslineTCI Editor
- Jun 9
- 4 min read
The Turks and Caicos Islands has achieved a landmark public health victory, becoming the first country or territory in the Americas to receive validation for the elimination of mother-to-child transmission of Hepatitis B, while also securing certification for the elimination of mother-to-child transmission of HIV.
The achievement was formally celebrated during a special ceremony held Wednesday at The Shore Club Resort in Providenciales, where government leaders, healthcare professionals, regional health officials and international partners gathered to mark the historic occasion.
Accepting the certification on behalf of the Government and people of the Turks and Caicos Islands, Minister of Health and Human Services Hon. Kyle Knowles described the recognition as a moment of immense national pride.
“Today marks a moment of immense pride, not only as a significant milestone, but as a reflection of what we have worked together to achieve through commitment, collaboration and sustained effort,” Knowles said.
The Health Minister noted that the validation confirms that the country's health system has met global standards while delivering meaningful outcomes for residents.
“We are especially proud to be the first country in the region to achieve the elimination of mother-to-child transmission of Hepatitis B,” he said. “This distinction speaks to the dedication, consistency and focus that have guided our nation’s response and demonstrates what is possible when public health remains a national priority.”
Knowles praised healthcare workers, laboratory professionals, surveillance teams, community organizations and international partners including the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF and UNAIDS for their contributions to the achievement.
Premier Hon. Charles Washington Misick hailed the certification as one of the most significant public health accomplishments in the nation's history.
“Today is a proud and defining moment in the history of the Turks and Caicos Islands,” the Premier said. “We gather not only to celebrate a remarkable public health achievement, but to recognize what this milestone says about who we are as a people and what we are capable of achieving together as a nation.”
Misick emphasized that the accomplishment extends beyond the health sector and reflects the strength of national institutions and partnerships.
“The achievement represents far more than a health sector success. It is a national triumph,” he stated. “It reflects the strength of our institutions, the effectiveness of our partnerships and our unwavering commitment to protecting the health and well-being of every mother, every child and every family throughout these islands.”
The Premier added that the Turks and Caicos Islands had demonstrated that even a small nation can achieve results of global significance.
Governor Her Excellency Dileeni Daniel Selvaratnam also commended the achievement, describing it as evidence of a strong and coordinated healthcare system.
“It is a privilege to join you today on this important national occasion as the Turks and Caicos Islands receives formal validation for the elimination of mother-to-child transmission of HIV and Hepatitis B,” the Governor said.
She noted that the certification reflects years of planning, professional discipline and commitment by healthcare teams across the country.
“The elimination of mother-to-child transmission stands amongst the clearest demonstrations of what a strong, coordinated healthcare system can achieve,” Selvaratnam said. “When prevention, testing, treatment, care and follow-up are delivered consistently and compassionately, the results are profound.”
The Governor stressed that while the validation is cause for celebration, it must also serve as motivation to sustain the gains achieved.
“Validation is not the end of the journey. It is a standard to be sustained,” she said, while also warning that HIV infection rates continue to rise globally and regionally, making continued public awareness, testing and treatment efforts essential.
Earlier in the ceremony, PAHO/WHO Representative Dr. Eldona Boisson described the achievement as “doubly special,” noting that the Turks and Caicos Islands is the first territory in the Americas to achieve validation for the elimination of mother-to-child transmission of Hepatitis B.
Chief Medical Officer Dr. Nadia Astwood called the validation “a historic milestone for our country and for public health across the region,” while Permanent Secretary for Health Desiree Lewis praised the coordinated efforts of healthcare professionals and technical teams that made the achievement possible.
Messages of congratulations were also delivered virtually by PAHO Assistant Director Dr. Rhonda Sealey-Thomas, PAHO Director Dr. Jarbas Barbosa, UNICEF Associate Director for HIV/AIDS Anurita Bains, and Dr. Jennifer Dionne, Chair of the Regional Validation Committee.
According to the Regional Validation Committee, the Turks and Caicos Islands demonstrated exceptional performance in key indicators, including 100 percent HIV testing and treatment coverage for pregnant women and 100 percent Hepatitis B screening and birth-dose vaccination coverage for newborns.
Health officials said the certification reflects years of work strengthening maternal and child health services, expanding access to screening and treatment, improving surveillance systems and ensuring that mothers and infants receive comprehensive care throughout pregnancy and after birth.
The achievement places the Turks and Caicos Islands among a select group of countries recognized globally for eliminating mother-to-child transmission of HIV, while setting a new regional benchmark through its pioneering success in eliminating mother-to-child transmission of Hepatitis B.
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