Story perspectives

Denmark First in EU to Eliminate HIV, Syphilis Transmission

2/28/2026

Summary

Story summary

Denmark became the first EU country to eliminate mother-to-child transmission of HIV and syphilis, as reported by the World Health Organization (WHO) on February 27, 2026.
WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus described this as a significant public health achievement.
Denmark achieved its elimination targets from 2021 to 2024 by testing and treating at least 95% of pregnant women.
Currently, about 5,950 people live with HIV in Denmark, with less than 0.1% of pregnant women affected.
Denmark is also on track to eliminate mother-to-child transmission of hepatitis B.

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Story summary

Denmark became the first EU country to eliminate mother-to-child transmission of HIV and syphilis, as reported by the World Health Organization (WHO) on February 27, 2026.
WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus described this as a significant public health achievement.
Denmark achieved its elimination targets from 2021 to 2024 by testing and treating at least 95% of pregnant women.
Currently, about 5,950 people live with HIV in Denmark, with less than 0.1% of pregnant women affected.
Denmark is also on track to eliminate mother-to-child transmission of hepatitis B.