Denmark leads European Union in eliminating mother-to-child HIV and syphilis spread

Source: World Health Organization (WHO)

Story by: Ntiamoah Bernice Mantebea

March 2, 2026.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has certified Denmark for the elimination of mother-to-child transmission (EMTCT) of HIV and syphilis, recognizing the country's sustained commitment to ensuring every child is born free of these infections.

“The elimination of mother-to-child transmission of HIV and syphilis marks a major public health achievement for Denmark,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “This milestone demonstrates that with strong political commitment and consistent investment in primary care and integrated maternal and child health services, countries can protect every pregnant woman and newborn from these diseases.”

WHO gave this validation after checks by its Regional Validation Committee in June 2025 and Global Validation Advisory Committee (GVAC) in August 2025. Denmark met all targets from 2021 to 2024, with low transmission rates and high coverage of testing and treatment for pregnant women.

Denmark is the first country in the European Union to reach this goal. Its success comes from a strong maternal health system and long-term efforts to care for every pregnant woman. "As the first European Union country to achieve this public health milestone, Denmark's success is 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," said Dr Hans Henri P. Kluge, WHO Regional Director for Europe. "Elimination means testing and treating at least 95 out of every 100 pregnant women, and keeping new infant infections below 50 per 100 000 births, year after year. Denmark has met these benchmarks through strong antenatal care, reliable data systems and respect for women's rights. We will support Denmark as it works toward full triple elimination, when it adds hepatitis B."

This result shows years of work by health workers, supported by good health systems and care for all during pregnancy. Denmark has strong data, labs, and respect for rights.

"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. “Denmark's universal health system which is built on equal access for all, has been the foundation of this achievement. Being the first country in the European Union to reach this milestone is both an honour and a responsibility. We hope our experience can inspire and support other countries on their path to elimination, and we look forward to completing the journey with the addition of hepatitis B to achieve full triple elimination."

Denmark's path shows how good policies, services, and data can help. WHO will aid its push for triple elimination with hepatitis B.