COPENHAGEN: Denmark has become the first European Union country to completely eliminate mother-to-child transmission of HIV, a milestone officially confirmed by the World Health Organization.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus described the achievement as a major public health breakthrough, demonstrating that strong government commitment and sustained investment in healthcare systems can protect pregnant women and newborns from infectious diseases.
According to WHO, Denmark met all targets between 2021 and 2024, including achieving the lowest transmission rates and providing high levels of prenatal testing and treatment.
WHO Regional Director for Europe Hans Henri P. Kluge credited Denmark’s robust healthcare infrastructure and commitment to ensuring high-quality services for every pregnant woman as key factors in this success.
Denmark’s Health Minister hailed the milestone as a proud moment for the nation. Officials noted that universal health coverage, integrated prenatal screening, and a strong data system were instrumental in achieving this outcome.
Denmark is now also taking steps to eliminate hepatitis B, aiming to achieve the “triple elimination” target for mother-to-child transmission of infectious diseases.
