Denmark has become the first country in the European Union to eliminate mother to child transmission of HIV and syphilis, following official certification from the World Health Organization. The decision confirms that Denmark has met strict international targets designed to protect newborns from these infections and provide safe pregnancy care for women.
The World Health Organization said the certification follows detailed reviews carried out in June and August 2025. These assessments examined national data and confirmed that Denmark maintained extremely low transmission rates between 2021 and 2024. The country also achieved high levels of prenatal testing and treatment, which are key conditions for certification.
Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director General of the World Health Organization, described the achievement as a major step in public health. He said the result shows that strong national commitment and steady investment in maternal care can prevent babies from acquiring HIV and syphilis at birth.
Health officials explained that elimination means testing and treating at least 95 percent of pregnant women and keeping infant infection rates below 50 per 100000 births. Denmark met these requirements through regular prenatal screening, early treatment, and reliable health monitoring systems.
Dr Hans Henri P. Kluge, the World Health Organization Regional Director for Europe, said Denmark’s maternal care system played a major role in reaching this target. He said the country has ensured that pregnant women receive testing, treatment, and follow up care throughout pregnancy. He added that Denmark is now working toward eliminating hepatitis B transmission as well.
Denmark’s Minister for the Interior and Health, Sophie Løhde, said the certification reflects many years of work by healthcare workers, midwives, and public health professionals. She said equal access to healthcare has been central to the country’s success. According to her, the milestone brings both recognition and responsibility, and Denmark hopes its experience will support other countries working toward the same goal.
Health authorities said Denmark’s universal healthcare system provides routine HIV and syphilis screening during pregnancy. Pregnant women who test positive receive immediate treatment, which prevents transmission to their babies. Strong laboratory services and accurate national data systems also helped health officials monitor progress and maintain safety standards.
Denmark has very low infection rates among pregnant women. About 5950 people in the country live with HIV, and fewer than 0.1 percent of pregnant women are affected. Routine testing has reduced mother to child HIV transmission to zero. Congenital syphilis cases remain rare due to systematic prenatal care and early treatment.
In 2024, Denmark recorded 626 cases of syphilis nationwide, with most cases found in men. Health officials said the low rate among pregnant women reflects the strength of national prevention programs.
Denmark now joins 22 countries and territories that have received similar certification from the World Health Organization. These include Cuba, Thailand, Brazil, Malaysia, and Namibia.
The World Health Organization said Denmark’s success provides an example for other countries seeking to protect mothers and newborns. Officials confirmed that work is continuing toward eliminating hepatitis B transmission, which would complete the next phase of disease prevention efforts.
