National Current Affairs
Denmark Eliminates Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV and Syphilis
- 10 Mar 2026
- 2 min read
Why in News?
On 27 February 2026, the WHO certified Denmark as the first country in the European Union to eliminate mother-to-child transmission (EMTCT) of both HIV and syphilis.
Key Points:
- Achievement: Denmark met the stringent international targets for EMTCT from 2021 to 2024, which include:
- Transmission Rate: Keeping new infant infections below 50 per 100,000 live births.
- Testing and Treatment: Ensuring that at least 95% of pregnant women receive testing and necessary treatment.
- Universal Care: Providing free or low-cost prenatal screening and care through its universal health system.
- Global Standing: Denmark joins over 20 other countries and territories—including Botswana, Malaysia, and Cuba—that have achieved similar WHO validation.
- Triple Elimination Goal: Denmark is now working toward "triple elimination" by adding Hepatitis B to its certified transmission-free list.
- Public Health: Demonstrates the efficacy of Integrated Maternal and Child Health services and robust data tracking systems.
- Human Rights: The achievement is underpinned by rights-based policies ensuring equal access to healthcare regardless of background.
- SDG Targets: Directly contributes to Sustainable Development Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-being) by ending preventable deaths of newborns and children.
| Read More:SDG, HIV and syphilis |
