Denmark Eliminates Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV and Syphilis – A First for the EU

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 public health achievement. The World Health Organization (WHO) certified the country on February 27, 2026, recognizing its sustained commitment to ensuring children are born free from these infections.

Validation and Key Achievements

The WHO’s validation, based on assessments conducted by the Regional Validation Committee in June 2025 and the Global Validation Advisory Committee (GVAC) in August 2025, confirms 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. Specifically, elimination requires testing and treating at least 95 out of every 100 pregnant women and keeping new infant infections below 50 per 100,000 births annually. WHO

A Testament to Strong Maternal Health Systems

“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. The success highlights the strength of Denmark’s maternal health system and its long-standing dedication to providing care for every pregnant woman. WHO Press Release

Dr. Hans Henri P. Kluge, WHO Regional Director for Europe, added that Denmark’s achievement is a result of strong antenatal care, reliable data systems and respect for women’s rights.

Global Context and Future Goals

Denmark joins 22 other countries and territories that have been validated by the WHO for eliminating mother-to-child transmission of HIV, syphilis, or hepatitis B virus, or are 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. WHO

Looking ahead, Denmark aims to achieve “triple elimination” by adding hepatitis B to its success in preventing the transmission of HIV and syphilis. The country’s continued focus will be on early detection and prevention to maintain these gains. Outbreak News Today

Key Takeaways

• Denmark is the first EU country to eliminate mother-to-child transmission of HIV and syphilis.
• WHO validation was based on data from 2021-2024, demonstrating consistently low transmission rates and high prenatal testing/treatment coverage.
• Success is attributed to strong maternal health systems, reliable data, and respect for women’s rights.
• Denmark is now working towards eliminating hepatitis B transmission as well.