JAKARTA - The World Health Organization (WHO) has designated Denmark as the first European Union country to eliminate mother-to-child transmission of HIV and syphilis, in recognition of its ongoing efforts to ensure babies are born free of the infections.
"Eliminating mother-to-child transmission of HIV and syphilis marks a major public health achievement for Denmark," WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said in a statement, Friday, February 27, reported by ANTARA from Anadolu.
He continued that the milestone shows that with strong political commitment and consistent investment in primary care and integrated maternal and child health services, countries can protect every pregnant woman and newborn from these diseases.
The validation confirms that Denmark has met all WHO targets for 2021 and 2024, including low transmission rates and high coverage for prenatal testing and treatment.
"As the first EU country to reach this public health milestone, Denmark's success is a testament to the strength of its maternal health system and its long-term commitment to reach every pregnant woman with the care she needs," said WHO Regional Director for Europe Hans Henri P. Kluge.
Officials said universal health coverage, integrated screening during pregnancy, and a robust data system were the foundation of the success.
"This validation by WHO is a proud moment for Denmark," said Health Minister Sophie Lohde.
Denmark is now working to eradicate hepatitis B as part of a broader "triple elimination" goal, the WHO added.
The English, Chinese, Japanese, Arabic, and French versions are automatically generated by the AI. So there may still be inaccuracies in translating, please always see Indonesian as our main language. (system supported by DigitalSiber.id)
