On February 27, 2026, the World Health Organization (WHO) officially validated Denmark for eliminating mother to child transmission (EMTCT) of both HIV and syphilis making it the first European Union country to reach this milestone.
While non EU European nations such as Armenia, Belarus, and Moldova achieved similar validations earlier, Denmark is the first within the EU bloc to meet the WHO’s stringent global benchmarks.
Why This Certification Matters
WHO validation is not symbolic. It requires sustained, multi year compliance with strict epidemiological standards:
- ≥95% testing coverage of all pregnant women for HIV and syphilis
- ≥95% immediate treatment coverage for those who test positive
- Infant infection rates below 50 per 100,000 live births
- Demonstrated ability to maintain results over at least three consecutive years
Denmark met and in practice exceeded these standards from
2021 through 2024.
In a country of nearly 6 million people:
- Less than 0.1% of pregnant women are affected by HIV
- Infant HIV and congenital syphilis cases have effectively reached zero
2024 National Infectious Disease Snapshot
HIV
- People living with HIV: ~5,950
- Total reported cases (2024): 202
- 103 first time diagnoses
- Remaining cases: individuals previously diagnosed abroad
- Over 5,000 people currently use PrEP (Pre Exposure Prophylaxis)
- New infections among MSM are at their lowest level since surveillance began in 1990
- ~60% of new diagnoses remain “late testers,” an ongoing focus area
The vast majority of people living with HIV in Denmark are on Antiretroviral Therapy (ART), and most have achieved viral suppression under
the U=U (Undetectable = Untransmittable) framework.
Syphilis
- Total syphilis cases (2024): 626
- 524 cases occurred in men
This breakdown is critical context. While syphilis incidence exists within specific demographic clusters, the screening system effectively isolates and manages risk in pregnancy preventing congenital transmission.
How Denmark Did It
WHO credited Denmark’s universal healthcare system, which integrates HIV and syphilis screening directly into routine prenatal care.
Testing is free, universal, and embedded into early pregnancy protocols.
Crucially, the system performs equally well for migrants and refugees
a major factor in modern European epidemiology.
Approximately:
- ~49% of reported HIV cases involve individuals diagnosed before arrival
- A significant portion of recent arrivals are Ukrainian refugees already receiving treatment
Despite migration related case fluctuations, Denmark’s prenatal screening captures 95%+ of pregnant women, ensuring transmission prevention regardless of origin.
Global Recognition
Speaking on the certification, WHO Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stated:
“Denmark’s success shows that with consistent investment in primary health care… it is possible to protect every newborn.”
The statement underscores what this milestone represents: not just disease control, but system reliability.
Nordic Context
Denmark now leads the EU on EMTCT validation, though its Nordic neighbors remain global leaders in HIV response.
| Country | People Living with HIV | Key Achievement |
|---|---|---|
| Denmark | ~5,950 | 1st EU country to eliminate mother to child HIV & syphilis transmission (2026) |
| Norway | ~5,500 | Achieved WHO 95-95-95 targets (2025) |
| Sweden | ~8,400 | First country globally to reach 90-90-90 targets (2016) |
All maintain adult prevalence around 0.1%.
Toward “Triple Elimination”
Denmark is now pursuing WHO’s next tier: Triple Elimination adding Hepatitis B to HIV and syphilis.
With chronic Hepatitis B prevalence estimated at just 0.2–0.3%,
Denmark is well positioned to become the first EU country to secure
triple certification.
Only 22 countries and territories worldwide including Thailand, Cuba,
and Botswana have achieved comparable dual or triple validation.
Why This Is a Structural Victory
This certification proves:
- Elimination is possible even amid high migration flows
- Universal prenatal screening neutralizes vertical transmission risk
- Early diagnosis + immediate ART prevents infant infection entirely
- Public health performance not just wealth determines outcomes
Denmark has not eliminated HIV or syphilis nationally.
It has eliminated transmission to newborns.
That distinction defines the achievement.