Denmark has become the first European Union country to eliminate mother-to-child transmission of HIV and syphilis. The World Health Organization announced this on February 27.
With this decision, Denmark joins the list of 22 countries and territories officially certified as having eliminated mother-to-child transmission of HIV, syphilis or hepatitis B.
WHO awarded the certification following assessments conducted in 2025 by its Regional Validation Committee and Global Validation Advisory Committee. The assessments confirmed that Denmark had sustainably met international targets for reducing transmission and providing testing and treatment for pregnant women.
World Health Organization Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said the elimination of mother-to-child transmission of HIV and syphilis was a major historic public health achievement for Denmark.
“This milestone shows that every pregnant woman and infant can be protected from these diseases if countries around the world reduce spending on political activities and prioritise investment in essential health services and the health of mothers and children,” Dr Tedros added.
HIV and syphilis rates
The World Health Organization defines the elimination of mother-to-child HIV transmission as maintaining fewer than 50 infections per 100,000 newborns, while ensuring that at least 95 out of every 100 pregnant women receive testing and treatment.
Around 6,000 people in Denmark are living with HIV, while the prevalence among pregnant women is below 0.1 percent.
A total of 626 syphilis cases were reported in the country in 2024, with men accounting for more than 500 of them.
WHO Regional Director for Europe Dr Hans Henri P. Kluge said Denmark had achieved these targets through antenatal care, reliable data systems and respect for women's rights.
He also said the organisation would provide its full support and cooperation for Denmark's efforts towards the simultaneous elimination of all three diseases, including hepatitis B, known as triple elimination.
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