The World Health Organization (WHO) has validated Brazil for eliminating mother-to-child transmission (EMTCT) of HIV, making it the most populous country in the Americas to achieve this landmark public health milestone.
The certification reflects Brazil’s long-standing commitment to universal and free access to healthcare through its Unified Health System (SUS), supported by a strong primary healthcare network and a firm emphasis on human rights and equity.
“Eliminating mother-to-child transmission of HIV is a major public health achievement for any country, especially for a country as large and complex as Brazil,” said WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. “Brazil has shown that with sustained political commitment and equitable access to quality health services, every child can be born free of HIV and every mother can receive the care she deserves.”
The milestone was officially marked at a ceremony in Brasília attended by President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, Minister of Health Alexandre Padilha, Director of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) Dr Jarbas Barbosa, and representatives of UNAIDS.
Meeting WHO Validation Criteria
Brazil met all WHO validation requirements for EMTCT, including reducing vertical transmission of HIV to below 2 percent and achieving more than 95 percent coverage in prenatal care, routine HIV testing, and timely treatment for pregnant women living with HIV.
Beyond these targets, the country demonstrated the delivery of high-quality maternal and infant health services, strong laboratory and data systems, and a clear commitment to human rights, gender equality, and community engagement.
A key feature of Brazil’s success was its progressive, subnational approach. The country initially certified states and municipalities with populations exceeding 100,000, adapting the PAHO/WHO validation framework to its national context while maintaining consistency nationwide.
The evaluation process, supported by PAHO, involved independent experts who reviewed health data, documentation, and facility operations. Their findings were subsequently assessed by WHO’s Global Validation Advisory Committee, which formally recommended Brazil for validation.
“This achievement shows that eliminating vertical transmission of HIV is possible when pregnant women know their HIV status, receive timely treatment, and have access to quality maternal health services and safe delivery,” said PAHO Director Dr Jarbas Barbosa. He praised the dedication of health professionals, community health workers, and civil society groups for sustaining care and reaching vulnerable populations.
Part of a Broader Regional Effort
Between 2015 and 2024, more than 50,000 pediatric HIV infections were averted across the Americas through initiatives aimed at eliminating mother-to-child transmission of HIV.
Brazil’s achievement forms part of the broader EMTCT Plus Initiative, which targets the elimination of mother-to-child transmission of HIV, syphilis, hepatitis B, and congenital Chagas disease. The initiative is implemented in collaboration with UNICEF and UNAIDS and aligns with PAHO’s Elimination Initiative, which aims to eliminate more than 30 communicable diseases and related conditions in the Americas by 2030.
“I am delighted that Brazil has been certified by WHO and PAHO for eliminating vertical transmission of HIV—the first country with a population of over 100 million to do so,” said UNAIDS Executive Director Winnie Byanyima. “Brazil succeeded by prioritizing universal healthcare, addressing social determinants of health, protecting human rights, and ensuring access to essential medicines.”
Global Context
Brazil is now one of 19 countries and territories worldwide validated by WHO for EMTCT, with 12 located in the Americas. Cuba became the first country globally to receive validation in 2015. Other countries in the region include Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Bermuda, Cayman Islands, Montserrat, and Saint Kitts and Nevis (2017); Dominica (2020); Belize (2023); and Jamaica, as well as Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (2024).
Outside the Americas, countries validated for EMTCT of HIV include Armenia, Belarus, Malaysia, Maldives, Oman, Sri Lanka, and Thailand.
By Sampson Kumah Ifeetwube Elvis
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