Muscat – In a new international health achievement added to Oman’s public health record, H E Dr Hilal bin Ali Al Sabti, Minister of Health, received the World Health Organization (WHO) award in recognition of Oman’s sustained validation of the elimination of mother-to-child transmission of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and syphilis.

The recognition was presented by Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, on the sidelines of the World Health Assembly in Geneva, where the WHO commended Oman’s sustained progress in maternal and child health programmes, as well as in early screening and treatment follow-up systems, reflecting the efficiency of the national health system and its adherence to international standards.

‘The achievement underscores the success of preventive health policies adopted by the Ministry of Health, the efforts of national healthcare professionals, and the strengthening of international partnerships supporting the elimination of communicable diseases,’ MoH stated. WHO certified Oman in 2022 for eliminating mother-to-child transmission of HIV and syphilis, becoming the first country in the WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region and 16th in the world to achieve the feat.