Denmark Eliminates Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV and Syphilis: A Major Public Health Milestone
Denmark has become the first country in the European Union to eliminate mother-to-child transmission of both HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) and syphilis, the World Health Organization (WHO) announced on February 27, 2026. This achievement marks a significant step forward in public health for the nation.
What Does Elimination Mean?
According to the WHO, elimination is defined as testing and treating at least 95 out of 100 pregnant women, and maintaining new infections in infants below 50 per 100,000 births. Dr. Hans Henri P. Kluge, WHO Regional Director for Europe, highlighted the importance of this milestone.
Key Achievements in Denmark
Denmark achieved the required targets between 2021 and 2024, demonstrating low transmission rates and widespread coverage of prenatal testing and treatment for pregnant women. The country currently has approximately 5,950 people living with HIV, within a population of over 6 million inhabitants. Less than 0.1% of pregnant women are affected by HIV.
Congenital syphilis, the transmission of syphilis from mother to baby, is also uncommon in Denmark. In 2024, a total of 626 cases of syphilis were reported, with the majority (524) occurring in men.
Progress Towards Eliminating Hepatitis B
The WHO also noted that Denmark is on track to eliminate mother-to-child transmission of the hepatitis B virus.
WHO Leadership and Vision
Hans Kluge assumed his role as WHO Regional Director for Europe on February 1, 2020, following his nomination by the WHO Regional Committee for Europe. Dr. Kluge has over 30 years of experience in medical practice and public health globally. He previously served as Director of the Division of Health Systems and Public Health at the WHO Regional Office for Europe.
Looking Ahead
Denmark’s success serves as an example for other countries striving to eliminate these infections and improve maternal and child health. Continued vigilance, comprehensive testing programs, and access to treatment will be crucial to sustaining these gains and achieving similar results worldwide.