Kontrolluntersuchungen: Wichtig!Bild: dpa-tmn / Christin Klose
Good News
Denmark has achieved a significant public health milestone, becoming the first country in the European Union to virtually eliminate mother-to-child transmission of both HIV and syphilis. This achievement highlights the importance of comprehensive prenatal care and robust public health infrastructure in protecting vulnerable populations.
04.03.2026, 16:2704.03.2026, 16:27
The World Health Organization (WHO) has commended Denmark for its success in eliminating mother-to-child transmission of HIV and syphilis, recognizing the achievement as a milestone for public health. The long-term health policy commitment aims to ensure that every child is born free from these infections.
Elimination is defined as keeping the number of new infections per year below 50 per 100,000 births. “Denmark has achieved these goals through comprehensive prenatal care, reliable data systems, and respect for the rights of women,” said Hans Kluge, WHO Regional Director for Europe.
Denmark Earns Pioneer Status
Denmark is the first EU country to meet the WHO’s goals for HIV and syphilis. This success is attributed to a combination of dedicated professionals and a high-performing healthcare system, including integrated preventative screenings during pregnancy. Crucially, high laboratory capacity as well enabled rapid testing, according to a press release.
“The elimination of mother-to-child transmission of HIV and syphilis is a significant success for Danish health policy,” said Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. The milestone demonstrates that countries with strong political commitment and continuous investment in primary care can protect pregnant women and newborns from these diseases.
Danish Minister of Health Sophie Løhde emphasized that the principle of equal access for all was also fundamental to the success. She expressed hope that Denmark can serve as a role model and eliminate Hepatitis B in the future, a goal the WHO supports.
Low HIV Infection Rates
To date, 22 other countries and territories have eliminated mother-to-child transmission of HIV, syphilis, or hepatitis, including Cuba, Jamaica, Belarus, and Armenia.
Generally, Denmark has low rates of HIV and syphilis among pregnant women. Approximately 5959 people are living with HIV in Denmark, compared to around 97,700 people living with HIV in Germany. Relative to their populations, Germany has an HIV infection rate of approximately 0.12 percent, although Denmark’s rate is 0.1 percent.
