Through early detection, integrated care, and sustained outreach, the Turks and Caicos Islands has eliminated mother-to-child transmission of HIV and hepatitis B.
Dr. Camelia Clarke still remembers when a young mother came to the hospital just after missing her second period. Following a routine testing process, she tested positive for HIV.
“We were able to counsel her, let her know what was happening. We also invited her partner in to be tested as well, and he was further linked to care and treatment,” Dr. Clarke recalls.
What followed shows how early detection and immediate care can change the course of a newborn’s life, when a mother receives treatment and close monitoring throughout her pregnancy.
“We established her baseline viral load, and with treatment, it eventually became undetectable,” Dr. Clarke says.
By the time the mother gave birth with no complications, the team had dramatically reduced the risk of transmission. Right after delivery, the infant received prophylactic medication and, at 18 months, tested negative for HIV.
“Because of the strong integrated service, the early recognition, we were able to prevent vertical transmission and have a healthy outcome for mother and baby,” Dr. Clarke explains.
From early detection to zero transmission
Today, Dr. Clarke is Director of the Health Promotion and Advocacy Unit and the focal point for the elimination of HIV mother-to-child transmission (EMTCT) within the Ministry of Health and Human Services in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
The Caribbean nation, with just over 45,000 people, has been working for the better part of the last decade to build a system that strives to test, treat and monitor every woman and pregnancy.
“Preventing mother-to-child transmission begins at the first antenatal visit,” says Nurse Savita Ramkellowan, Senior Public Health Nurse, attached to the Ministry of Health Primary Health Care. “The rapid tests have really transformed how we screen for HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B in maternal health.”
Thanks to this sustained effort, the World Health Organization (WHO) recently validated Turks and Caicos Islands for the elimination of mother-to-child transmission of HIV and hepatitis B.
Backed by a strong primary health care system, integrated services ensure early detection, timely treatment, and continuous follow-up. By embedding screening into routine care, the country has reduced transmission rates below 2% and achieved over 95% coverage for prenatal care, HIV testing, and treatment for mothers and newborns.