Until recently, mother-to-child transmission of HIV and syphilis remained a public health concern, with some babies infected at birth. Now Denmark has brought that chapter to an end, joining Thailand and Malaysia in achieving global recognition for stopping such infections at birth.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has certified Denmark for eliminating mother-to-child transmission of HIV and syphilis. Thailand and Malaysia were previously validated for the same achievement. Denmark is, however, the first country in the European Union to reach the milestone.
The certification confirms that Denmark meets strict global standards to ensure babies are born free from the two infections. Between 2021 and 2024, the country maintained extremely low transmission rates while testing and treating more than 95 percent of pregnant women.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus called it a major public health achievement. He said the milestone shows that strong political commitment and consistent investment in primary and maternal care can protect every pregnant woman and newborn.
A major health milestone
To be validated, countries must keep new infant infections below 50 per 100,000 live births year after year. They must also ensure high prenatal testing coverage, reliable data systems and protection of women’s rights.
Denmark’s Minister for the Interior and Health, Sophie Løhde, described the certification as the result of decades of work by health professionals. She said universal access to healthcare has been the foundation of the success.
Denmark now joins 22 other countries and territories worldwide that have been validated by WHO for eliminating mother-to-child transmission of HIV, syphilis or hepatitis B. Danish authorities are now working with WHO to move toward “triple elimination” by also targeting hepatitis B.
