Why is it in the news?
Denmark has been certified by the World Health Organization for eliminating mother-to-child transmission of HIV and syphilis.
It became the first European Union country to achieve this milestone.
Category: S&T
Important Points:
● Mother-to-Child Transmission (MTCT) occurs during pregnancy, childbirth or breastfeeding.
● Without treatment it can cause infant infections, stillbirths or neonatal deaths.
● WHO certification requires transmission rates below 50 per 100,000 live births.
● At least 95% of pregnant women must receive testing and treatment.
● Denmark joins more than 20 countries globally validated for EMTCT.
● WHO promotes triple elimination of HIV, syphilis and hepatitis B.
● HIV attacks CD4 immune cells and can progress to AIDS if untreated.
● Syphilis is caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum and spreads mainly through sexual contact.