Six Caribbean countries are certified as having eliminated mother-to-child transmission of HIV and Syphilis. The declaration came from the World Health Organization on the observance of world aids day.

They are Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Bermuda, Cayman Islands, Montserrat and Saint Kitts and Nevis.

A release from the Pan-American Health Organisation, W.H.O. and UNAIDS, quotes Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis Timothy Harris who said this elimination is the result of strong political commitment to public health and of making the health of mothers, children and families a regional priority.

Over the last six years the Caribbean reduced new HIV infections in children by more than half.

Mr Harris said this was an amazing achievement given the high rates of HIV in the past, and it is intended that this success story is improved on even more in the future.

PAHO Director and Regional Director for the Americas of WHO Carissa F. Etienne, said this elimination is a remarkable achievement that puts the Americas at the forefront of the global effort to ensure that no child is born with HIV or Congenital Syphilis.

She said with political commitment, stronger health systems, and timely prevention, diagnosis and treatment great changes can be achieved.

In 2015, Cuba, became the first country to receive validation from W.H.O. for having achieved elimination of mother-to-child transmission of HIV and Syphilis.