Denmark has become the first European Union country to completely eliminate the transmission of the deadly disease HIV from mother to child, a milestone confirmed by the World Health Organization (WHO).
WHO Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stated that this achievement marks a major advancement in public health, demonstrating that strong government commitment and sustained investment in healthcare systems can protect pregnant women and newborns from such diseases.
According to the WHO, Denmark met all required targets between 2021 and 2024, including achieving extremely low transmission rates and maintaining high levels of testing and treatment during pregnancy.
WHO Regional Director for Europe Hans Henri P. Kluge said that this success reflects Denmark’s robust healthcare system and its commitment to providing quality medical services to every pregnant woman.
Denmark’s Minister of Health described the achievement as a moment of national pride.
Officials stated that universal health coverage, integrated screening during pregnancy, and strong data systems were key factors behind this success. Denmark is now also working towards eliminating hepatitis B in order to achieve the goal of triple elimination.
