Denmark Certifies Elimination of Mother-to-Child HIV and Syphilis Transmission

Denmark has achieved a significant milestone in public health by being officially certified by the World Health Organization (WHO) for eliminating mother-to-child transmission (EMTCT) of both HIV and syphilis. This achievement underscores Denmark's long-standing dedication to ensuring that every child is born free from these infections.

Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO's Director-General, emphasized the importance of this certification, stating that it marks a major public health advancement for Denmark. He pointed out that this accomplishment showcases how strong political will and consistent investment in primary healthcare, along with integrated maternal and child health services, can prevent these diseases from affecting pregnant women and their newborns.

The validation process involved rigorous assessments conducted by WHO’s Regional Validation Committee in June 2025 and the Global Validation Advisory Committee (GVAC) in August 2025. Denmark successfully met all necessary targets from the years 2021 to 2024. These included maintaining low transmission rates and ensuring high coverage for prenatal testing and treatment for expectant mothers.

Dr. Hans Henri P. Kluge, WHO’s Regional Director for Europe, noted that Denmark's achievement as the first European Union nation to reach this public health milestone is a commendation of its robust maternal health system. He explained that the standards for elimination involve testing and treating at least 95% of pregnant women and keeping new infant infections below 50 per 100,000 live births, consistently over the years. Denmark has excelled in meeting these benchmarks through effective antenatal care, reliable health data systems, and a firm commitment to women's rights.

The successful certification is a culmination of persistent efforts by healthcare professionals and public health officials in Denmark, supported by a strong health infrastructure and universal health coverage that incorporates comprehensive screening during pregnancy. Denmark’s advanced data systems, dependable laboratory capabilities, and rigorous adherence to human rights have played pivotal roles in achieving this significant public health goal.

Sophie Løhde, Minister for the Interior and Health in Denmark, expressed pride in the WHO's validation, attributing it to decades of dedication from healthcare professionals, midwives, and public health teams who have worked diligently to ensure that every pregnant woman has access to necessary screenings and care. Løhde highlighted that Denmark’s universal health system, characterized by equitable access for all citizens, has been fundamental to this success. She remarked that being the first EU country to reach this certification is both an honor and a responsibility, with hopes that Denmark's experience can serve as a model for encouraging other nations to pursue similar elimination goals. Løhde also mentioned the country's intention to achieve full triple elimination, which includes controlling hepatitis B.

Denmark’s accomplishment illustrates significant possibilities for other countries aiming to enhance their mother-to-child transmission prevention programs. By demonstrating a successful integration of rights-based policies, high-quality health services, and efficient data collection systems, Denmark provides an inspiring model for public health initiatives worldwide. The country is also making strides towards validating hepatitis B virus elimination, with WHO assisting in this ongoing validation process.

With this achievement, Denmark joins a select group of 22 other countries and territories recognized by WHO for their efforts in eliminating mother-to-child transmission of HIV, syphilis, or hepatitis B, highlighting a global commitment to improving maternal health. This group includes nations and territories such as Anguilla, Belize, Brazil, and Thailand, among others.

Denmark has consistently maintained low rates of HIV and syphilis among its pregnant population, with approximately 5,950 individuals currently living with HIV and less than 0.1% of pregnant women affected. Through systematic prenatal screening and treatment, Denmark has remarkably reduced mother-to-child transmission rates to zero. The prevalence of hepatitis B is also low, estimated at just 0.2% to 0.3%, primarily among migrants from areas where the virus is endemic. The statistics from 2024 show that congenital syphilis is rare in Denmark, thanks to thorough prenatal care and screening protocols.