DENMARK has become the first country in the EU to eliminate mother-to-child transmission of HIV and syphilis, as certified by WHO on 27 February 2026.
It joined 22 other countries and territories validated for the elimination of mother-to-child transmission of HIV, syphilis, or hepatitis B.
The certification follows 2025 assessments by WHO’s Regional Validation Committee and Global Validation Advisory Committee, confirming that Denmark has consistently met required targets including low transmission rates and high coverage of prenatal testing and treatment for pregnant women.
Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, said: “The elimination of mother-to-child transmission of HIV and syphilis marks a major public health achievement for Denmark.
“This milestone demonstrates that with strong political commitment and consistent investment in primary care and integrated maternal and child health services, countries can protect every pregnant woman and newborn from these diseases.”
HIV and Syphilis Rates
WHO defines the elimination of mother-to-child HIV transmission as testing and treating at least 95 of every 100 pregnant women and consistently keeping new infant infections below 50 per 100,000 births.
Approximately 6,000 people are living with HIV in Denmark, and less than 0.1% of pregnant women are affected.
In 2024, 626 cases of syphilis were reported overall, more than 500 of which were in men.
Dr Hans Henri P Kluge, WHO Regional Director for Europe, said: “Denmark has met these benchmarks through strong antenatal care, reliable data systems and respect for women’s rights.
“We will support Denmark as it works toward full triple elimination, when it adds hepatitis B.”
Rights-Based Policies
WHO emphasised the importance of the convergence of rights-based polices, high-quality services, and strong data systems in the elimination of mother-to-child transmission of HIV.
Sophie Løhde, Minister for the Interior and Health, Denmark, said: “This validation by WHO is a proud moment for Denmark and the result of decades of work by our healthcare professionals, midwives, and public health teams to ensure that every pregnant woman receives the screening and care she needs.
“Denmark’s universal health system – built on equal access for all – has been the foundation of this achievement.
“Being the first country in the European Union to reach this milestone is both an honour and a responsibility.
“We hope our experience can inspire and support other countries on their path to elimination, and we look forward to completing the journey with the addition of hepatitis B to achieve full triple elimination.”
Featured image: AnnaStills on Adobe Stock
