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, a significant milestone in public health. The World Health Organization (WHO) certified the country’s success, recognizing decades of 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. WHO emphasizes that this accomplishment demonstrates the impact of strong political commitment and consistent investment in primary care and integrated maternal and child health services.

Validation Process and Key Metrics

The validation, based on assessments by WHO’s Regional Validation Committee in June 2025 and the Global Validation Advisory Committee (GVAC) in August 2025, confirms Denmark met all required targets between 2021 and 2024. These targets included maintaining low transmission rates and achieving high coverage of prenatal testing and treatment for pregnant women. Elimination, as defined by WHO, 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.

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 reaching every pregnant woman with the care she needs.” Anadolu Agency reports that strong antenatal care, reliable data systems and respect for women’s rights were crucial to achieving these benchmarks.

Key elements underpinning Denmark’s success include universal health coverage and integrated screening during pregnancy. The country’s exemplary data systems, robust laboratory capacity, and high human rights standards have also been essential.

Looking Ahead: Triple Elimination

Denmark is now focused on achieving “triple elimination” by adding hepatitis B to its success against HIV and syphilis. WHO will support Denmark in this ongoing effort.

Global Context

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

Current Infection Rates in Denmark

As of February 2026, approximately 5950 people are living with HIV in Denmark, with less than 0.1% of pregnant women affected. Routine testing and treatment have effectively reduced mother-to-child transmission to zero. The prevalence of chronic hepatitis B infection is estimated at around 0.2–0.3%, primarily among migrants from endemic regions. Congenital syphilis is uncommon due to systematic prenatal screening and care; in 2024, 626 cases of syphilis were reported with the majority in men (524) and fewer in women (102). WHO data highlights the effectiveness of Denmark’s public health efforts and comprehensive prenatal care.

“This validation by WHO is a proud moment for Denmark and the result of decades of work by our health-care professionals, midwives, and public health teams to ensure that every pregnant woman receives the screening and care she needs,” said Sophie Løhde, Minister for the Interior and Health, Denmark.