Sri Lanka recognised by WHO for eliminating mother-to-child HIV, syphilis risk

Sri Lanka received a special recognition from the World Health Organisation today for successfully controlling the transmission of HIV and syphilis from mother to child, reducing it to a level where it is no longer a public health problem.

The Ministry of Health announced that this tribute was awarded in recognition of the unique progress made by the country's health sector in accordance with the standards introduced by the World Health Organisation and the recommendations of the global advisory committee.

The official certificate of recognition was presented at the 79th World Health Assembly of the World Health Organisation, which is currently being held in Geneva, Switzerland.

World Health Organisation Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus officially handed over the award to Minister of Health and Media Dr Nalinda Jayatissa, according to the Ministry of Health.

Health sectors point out that this achievement once again confirms the success of Sri Lanka's free health system and maternal and child health services before the world.