Denmark Eliminates Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV and Syphilis – A Landmark Achievement

Denmark has become the first country in the European Union to eliminate mother-to-child transmission (EMTCT) of both HIV and syphilis, marking a significant milestone in public health. The World Health Organization (WHO) certified the country’s achievement, recognizing its sustained commitment to ensuring children are born free from these infections.

A Major Public Health Triumph

“The elimination of mother-to-child transmission of HIV and syphilis marks a major public health achievement for Denmark,” stated Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General according to the WHO. This success demonstrates the impact of strong political commitment and consistent investment in primary care and integrated maternal and child health services.

Validation Process and Criteria

The validation process, completed by the WHO’s Regional Validation Committee in June 2025 and the Global Validation Advisory Committee (GVAC) in August 2025, confirmed that Denmark met all necessary targets between 2021 and 2024. These targets included maintaining low transmission rates and achieving high coverage of prenatal testing and treatment for pregnant women. As detailed in a WHO press release, elimination is defined as testing and treating at least 95 out of every 100 pregnant women, although keeping new infant infections below 50 per 100,000 births year after year.

Denmark’s Success Factors

Dr. Hans Henri P. Kluge, WHO Regional Director for Europe, highlighted Denmark’s success as a testament to the strength of its maternal health system and its long-standing commitment to providing care for every pregnant woman. Key factors contributing to this achievement include strong antenatal care, reliable data systems, and respect for women’s rights.

Global Context and Future Goals

Denmark joins 22 other countries and territories validated by the WHO for eliminating mother-to-child transmission of HIV, syphilis, or hepatitis B virus, or certified on the path to elimination. These include Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Armenia, Belarus, Belize, Bermuda, Brazil, Botswana, Cayman Islands, Cuba, Dominica, Jamaica, Malaysia, Maldives, Montserrat, Namibia, Oman, Republic of Moldova, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Sri Lanka, St. Kitts and Nevis, and Thailand.

Looking ahead, Denmark is now working toward full triple elimination, which includes adding hepatitis B to the list of infections prevented from being passed from mother to child.

Key Takeaways

• Denmark is the first EU country to eliminate mother-to-child transmission of HIV and syphilis.
• The WHO certified Denmark’s achievement based on data from 2021-2024.
• Key factors in Denmark’s success include strong antenatal care, data systems, and respect for women’s rights.
• Denmark is now aiming for triple elimination, including hepatitis B.