Sri Lanka, May 19 -- Sri Lanka has been awarded special recognition by the World Health Organization (WHO) for reducing mother-to-child transmission of HIV and syphilis to a level no longer considered a public health problem.

The recognition was granted in line with WHO-established standards and recommendations of global advisory committees, highlighting the country's sustained progress in controlling the transmission of the diseases, according a statement issued by the Ministry of Health.

The certificate was presented during the 79th World Health Assembly currently taking place in Geneva, Switzerland.

WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus presented the award to Minister of Health and Mass Media, Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa.

T...