Denmark Eliminates Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV and Syphilis

• 07 Mar 2026

Source: NDTV 

Denmark has been certified by the World Health Organization (WHO) as the first country in the European Union to eliminate mother-to-child transmission (EMTCT) of HIV and syphilis. 

• Elimination of MTCT: Mother-to-Child Transmission (MTCT) is the spread of infections like HIV and syphilis from a mother to her baby during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding, which without intervention can lead to infant infections, stillbirths, neonatal deaths, or congenital diseases. 
• Criteria of MTCT Elimination: WHO's criteria for EMTCT include reducing mother-to-child transmission rates to below 50 per 100,000 live births and ensuring over 95% of pregnant women receive testing and treatment. 
• Global Context: Denmark joins over 20 countries and territories worldwide validated by WHO for EMTCT or progressing toward certification. These include nations in the Caribbean (e.g., Anguilla, Antigua), South America (e.g., Brazil), Africa (e.g., Botswana), and Asia (Malaysia, Maldives). 
• WHO’s Triple Elimination Strategy: WHO promotes triple elimination of HIV, syphilis, and Hepatitis B through four pillars: 
  • Universal antenatal care 
  • Integrated maternal infection testing 
  • Effective treatment protocols 
  • Strong health systems with community engagement and human-rights protections. 

• HIV: Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) attacks the body's immune system, specifically CD4 cells. If untreated, it leads to Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS), making the body vulnerable to life-threatening infections and cancers. 
• Syphilis: Syphilis is a bacterial infection caused by Treponema pallidum. It spreads via sexual contact, progressing through stages: painless sores, rashes, and potentially severe damage to the heart and brain if untreated. 

Read More: World AIDS Day 2025