Turks and Caicos Islands Receives WHO Certification for the Elimination of Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV and Hepatitis-B
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, 5 June 2026 — The Government of the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI), through the Ministry of Health and Human Services, officially received certification from the World Health Organization (WHO) for the Elimination of Mother-to-Child Transmission (EMTCT) of HIV and Hepatitis B, during a ceremony held June 3, 2026 at The Shore Club, Providenciales.
This landmark achievement places TCI among 14 countries in the Pan Caribbean region that have successfully attained EMTCT validation for HIV and distinguishes the country as the first in the region to achieve elimination of mother-to-child transmission of Hepatitis B.
Understanding EMTCT
Elimination of Mother-to-Child Transmission (EMTCT) refers to preventing the transmission of HIV and Hepatitis B from a mother to her child during pregnancy, delivery, or breastfeeding. Achieving this requires a strong and coordinated health system that ensures access to quality maternal and child health services.
In the Turks and Caicos Islands, this has been made possible through accessible antenatal care, routine screening for infections, timely treatment, and high coverage of essential interventions. Most pregnant women receive care and testing, and newborns benefit from early vaccination and follow-up services where needed.
WHO certification reflects that the country has met strict global targets, including very low transmission rates and high coverage of testing and treatment for pregnant women. Sustaining this status will require continued investment, strong monitoring, and a commitment to equitable access for all mothers and children.
Ceremony Highlights
The ceremony brought together senior government officials, healthcare leaders, regional and international partners, and community stakeholders to commemorate this historic national achievement.
The National Anthem and Song was delivered by Students from the Thelma Lightbourne Primary School with prayer delivered by Reverend Desiree Johnson.
Remarks were delivered by:
• Her Excellency Dileeni Daniel Selvaratnam, Governor of the Turks and Caicos Islands
• Hon. Charles Washington Misick, Premier of the Turks and Caicos Islands
• Hon. Kyle Knowles, Minister of Health and Human Services
• Mrs. Desiree Lewis, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health and Human Services
• Dr. Nadia Astwood, Chief Medical Officer
• Dr. Camelia Clarke, Director, Health Promotion and Advocacy Unit
Congratulatory messages were shared through virtual and recorded presentations from key regional and international partners, including:
• Dr. Eldonna Boisson, PAHO/WHO Representative for the Bahamas and Turks and Caicos Islands
• Dr. Rhonda Sealey-Thomas, Assistant Director, PAHO/WHO
• Ms. Anurita Bains, Associate Director, HIV/AIDS, UNICEF
• Ms. Luisa Cabal, Regional Director, UNAIDS (Latin America and the Caribbean)
• Ms. Wendy Telgt Emanuelson, Director, PANCAP Coordinating Unit
• Dr. Jodie Dionne, Chair, Regional Validation Committee
• Dr. Jarbas Barbosa, Director, PAHO
The official certificate was presented by Ms. Sandra Jones, Advisor, HIV/STI, TB and Viral Hepatitis, PAHO/WHO Caribbean Sub-Regional Office and formally accepted by the Hon. Kyle Knowles, Minister of Health and Human Services.
Distinguished Attendees
The ceremony was attended by a wide cross-section of national leadership and stakeholders, including:
• Her Excellency Anya Williams, Deputy Governor
• His Excellency Mr. Mayank Joshi, High Commissioner of India to Jamaica, with responsibility for The Bahamas and the World Health Organization (virtually)
Members of Parliament
• Permanent Secretaries and senior government officials
• Ms. Khalilah Astwood, Deputy Attorney General
• Dr. Pharez George, Interim CEO and Medical Director, National
Health Insurance Board
• Ms. Mickette Been, Acting CEO, TCI Hospitals
• Dr. Sani Amatti, Acting Chief of Medical Services, TCI Hospitals
• Members of the Ministry of Health and Human Services
• Health sector stakeholders and partner organizations, including the TCI Health and Wellness Foundation
Minister of Health and Human Services, Hon. Kyle Knowles, emphasized the national significance of the achievement:
“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. This validation confirms that we have met the global standards required, and that our health system and services are delivering meaningful results for the people we serve.”
A Collective Achievement
This certification reflects the dedication of healthcare professionals, public health teams, policymakers, and community partners who have worked tirelessly to strengthen maternal and child health services, expand testing and treatment, and ensure high-quality, equitable care across the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Sustaining the Gains
The Ministry of Health and Human Services reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining EMTCT status by maintaining strong systems, advancing preventive care, and ensuring that every child in TCI continues to be born free from HIV and Hepatitis B.
For event Highlights please follow the Ministry of Health’s Social Media Pages:
Facebook: facebook.com/tciministryofhealth
Instagram: @tciministryofhealth
