Denmark secures historic WHO certification for HIV and syphilis elimination

DENMARK—The World Health Organization has certified Denmark for eliminating mother-to-child transmission of HIV and syphilis, marking a significant milestone in global public health.

The certification recognizes Denmark’s sustained efforts to ensure every child is born free of these infections.

Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, praised Denmark’s achievement as a major public health victory.

He emphasized that the milestone demonstrates how strong political commitment and consistent investment in primary care services can protect pregnant women and newborns from these diseases.

The success hinges on integrated maternal and child health services that reach every expecting mother.

Meeting rigorous international standards

WHO’s Regional Validation Committee assessed Denmark in June 2025, followed by the Global Validation Advisory Committee in August 2025.

The validation confirms that Denmark met all required targets from 2021 to 2024, including maintaining low transmission rates and achieving high coverage of prenatal testing and treatment for pregnant women.

Dr Hans Henri P. Kluge, WHO Regional Director for Europe, highlighted Denmark’s historic position as the first European Union country to reach this milestone.

He attributed the success to Denmark’s robust maternal health system and unwavering commitment to comprehensive care for pregnant women.

The path to elimination

Elimination requires rigorous standards: countries must test and treat at least 95 out of every 100 pregnant women while keeping new infant infections below 50 per 100,000 births annually.

Denmark has consistently met these benchmarks through strong antenatal care, reliable data systems, and respect for women’s rights.

The country now works toward full triple elimination by adding hepatitis B to its achievements.

Decades of commitment pay off

Denmark’s success reflects decades of dedication by clinical and public health professionals, supported by strong health systems and universal health coverage.

The country’s integrated screening during pregnancy, exemplary data systems, robust laboratory capacity, and high human rights standards proved essential to reaching this milestone.

Sophie Løhde, Denmark’s Minister for the Interior and Health, called the WHO validation a proud moment resulting from decades of work by healthcare professionals, midwives, and public health teams.

She credited Denmark’s universal health system, built on equal access for all, as the foundation of this achievement.

Løhde expressed hope that Denmark’s experience will inspire other countries pursuing elimination goals.

Global progress continues

Denmark joins 22 other countries and territories that WHO has validated for eliminating mother-to-child transmission of HIV, syphilis, or hepatitis B.

These countries include Cuba, Thailand, Malaysia, Brazil, Belarus, Armenia, and several Caribbean nations.

WHO continues working with Denmark to advance the triple elimination validation process as the country moves toward including hepatitis B certification.