Prime Minister Philip Davis’s Address to the PAHO/WHO Elimination of Mother-To-Child Transmission of HIV Certification Ceremony

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Today, we gather to celebrate a truly defining achievement in the life of our nation, the certification of The Bahamas for the elimination of mother-to-child transmission (EMTCT) of HIV.

This milestone reflects a clear national commitment to protecting the health of mothers and children.  Every child deserves a healthy start in life, and every mother deserves the care, dignity, and support to give that child the best possible future.  It also speaks to a health system that is organized, responsive, and capable of delivering results that improve lives across generations.

As we celebrate our achievements, we pause to honour those who laid the foundation for this success. In particular, I wish to recognize the enduring contributions of the late Dr. Michael Perry Gomez, whose visionary leadership and steadfast commitment to the national HIV response helped to chart the course we celebrate today. His work reminds us that progress in public health is never accidental, it is built through courage, persistence, and a deep sense of duty.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

This achievement stands as a powerful example of what is possible when healthcare is placed at the center of national development.

As a Government, we reaffirm that healthcare is not a privilege it is a right. It is a core pillar of our national agenda, and we remain committed to ensuring that all people in The Commonwealth of The Bahamas, regardless of circumstance, have access to high-quality, equitable care.

Our focus on protecting the most vulnerable, our mothers, our children, our families, has been central to this success. This certification reflects years of deliberate investment in strengthening our public health infrastructure, expanding access to antenatal care, and ensuring early diagnosis and treatment. This administration’s planned investments in clinics, new hospitals, and upgrades to existing facilities will further contribute to our ability to secure positive health outcomes for our people.

I wish to commend the extraordinary professionals who made this possible.  

Our doctors, nurses, midwives, laboratory teams, public health practitioners, and the dedicated staff of the Ministry of Health & Wellness and the Public Hospitals Authority.

Your work is often done quietly, but its impact is immeasurable. You remind us that healthcare is humanity in action. Through your hands, lives are saved, futures are secured, and hope is restored.

We also recognize our local, regional and international partners whose collaboration has strengthened our efforts and ensured that The Bahamas meets and exceeds global standards.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

While we celebrate today, we must also look ahead.

This certification is not the end of the journey, it is a call to sustain and build upon our progress. We must continue to close gaps, reach those still underserved, and ensure that no mother, no child, and no family is left behind.

Let this moment inspire us to press forward with even greater determination toward a healthier, more resilient Bahamas.  And let us commit to safeguarding the health and future of generations to come.

May God bless you all, and may God continue to bless our Commonwealth of The Bahamas.

Thank you.