Michael Gwarisa
World Health Organization has certified Denmark as having eliminated mother-to-child transmission of both HIV and syphilis, marking a major public health milestone and making the country the first in the European Union to reach this goal.
The certification follows a rigorous assessment process conducted by WHO’s Regional Validation Committee in June 2025 and the Global Validation Advisory Committee in August 2025. The review confirmed that Denmark consistently met all required benchmarks between 2021 and 2024, including very low transmission rates and near-universal access to antenatal testing and treatment.
In a statement, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus described the achievement as a clear demonstration of what sustained political commitment and strong health systems can deliver.
“The elimination of mother-to-child transmission of HIV and syphilis marks a major public health achievement for Denmark,” he said. “It shows that with consistent investment in primary health care and integrated maternal and child health services, it is possible to protect every pregnant woman and newborn from these infections.”
Under WHO standards, elimination requires that at least 95 percent of pregnant women are tested and treated for HIV and syphilis, while keeping new infant infections below 50 per 100,000 live births on an ongoing basis. Denmark met and maintained these thresholds through strong antenatal care coverage, reliable laboratory services, and comprehensive follow-up systems.
WHO Regional Director for Europe Hans Henri P. Kluge said Denmark’s success reflects the strength of its maternal health system and long-standing commitment to universal access to care.
“Denmark’s experience proves that elimination is achievable when high-quality services, strong data systems and respect for women’s rights are firmly in place,” Kluge said. He added that WHO will continue to support the country as it works toward full triple elimination by adding hepatitis B.
Health officials say the milestone is the result of decades of work by clinicians, midwives, laboratory specialists, and public health professionals, supported by a universal health system that integrates screening and treatment into routine pregnancy care. Robust data systems and high standards for patient rights have also played a central role in sustaining progress.
Denmark’s Minister for the Interior and Health, Sophie Løhde, described the validation as both an honour and a responsibility.
“This recognition reflects years of dedicated work to ensure that every pregnant woman receives the screening and care she needs,” she said. “Equal access to health services has been the foundation of this achievement. As the first EU country to reach this milestone, we hope our experience can encourage and support others on their own paths to elimination.”
Denmark is now advancing toward validation for the elimination of hepatitis B virus, which would complete the triple elimination framework promoted by WHO.
Globally, Denmark joins 22 other countries and territories that have been validated by WHO for eliminating mother-to-child transmission of HIV, syphilis, hepatitis B, or combinations of these infections. These include Botswana, Brazil, Cuba, Namibia, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Jamaica, Malaysia, and several Caribbean states.
