On the eve of World AIDS Daythe 2024 HIV/AIDS Surveillance Report WHO Europe and the ECDC reveals that more than 2.6 million people have been diagnosed with HIV in the WHO European Region since the 1980s, including more than 650,000 in the EU/EEA. But despite progress, nearly 1 in 3 people living with HIV in the region do not know their HIV status.
According to the report, in 2023, almost 113,000 cases in 47 countries in the region, up 2.4% from 2022, driven by increased testing efforts and detection policies following the Covid-19 pandemic.
Furthermore, more than half of diagnoses (52% in the entire region, 53% in the EU/EEA) are made at advanced stages, increasing the risk of AIDS-related complications and deaths.
The document warns that only 70% of people living with HIV in the region know their status; of course there are large disparities: 92% in the EU/EEA,but only 40% in Eastern europe and Central Asia.
In Spain, according to the Ministry of Health The number of people affected by undiagnosed HIV has reduced by almost half (-42.3%) in the last four years: from 13% to 7.5%.This evolution places the rate of people diagnosed with HIV at 92.5% and places Spain on the path to reaching the 95% target set for agenda 2030 of United Nations (HIS).
according to the latest data published by Carlos III Health Institute In coordination with the Ministry of health, 92.5% of people living with HIV in Spain would know the diagnosis of infection, 96.6% are receiving antiretroviral treatment and 90.4% have a suppressed viral load .
If 95% of people with HIV have an undetectable viral load, the virus becomes non-transmissible.
UNAIDS has set the goal of ending HIV infection as a public health problem that, by 2020, 90% of people with HIV infection would be diagnosed, 90% of them would be on antiretroviral treatment, and these 90% would have suppressed the viral load. This target, called 90-90-90, is extended to 95-95-95 to be achieved by 2030, as part of Goal 3 of the Sustainable Progress Goals (SDGs).
Spain is aligned with these global objectives and periodically estimates progress in these three indicators.
Regarding transmission routes, sexual transmission is the most common across the region, with heterosexual predominance in the east, while in the west and the EU/EEA both sex between men and heterosexual relationships are prominent.
The report highlights the need for interventions adapted according to sub-regions.
Thus, such as, in the East and Center, innovative testing and combined prevention strategies need to be prioritized, while in the EU/EEA, access to pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) needs to be improved and barriers linked to immigration status must be eliminated. to ensure fair services.
The biggest obstacles that persist are restrictive and intolerant environments, stigma, discrimination…
In this sense, Hans Henri P. klugeRegional director of WHO Europe, underlined the urgency of fighting stigma, normalizing testing and funding prevention to stop new infections and transmission. “The major obstacles that persist in the fight against HIV/AIDS in our region are restrictive and intolerant environments, stigma, discrimination and even criminalization of HIV transmission, as well as inconsistent adoption of evidence-based interventions . We have to create safe spaces allow people to access health services, normalize testing and ensure policies are compassionate and non-punitive. “We also need to increase funding for prevention, preventing new HIV infections from occurring in the first place and stopping their transmission,” he said.
Pamela Rendi-Wagnerdirector of the ECDC,underlined the need to reduce late diagnoses. ‘The EU/EEA has made great progress in improving access to testing and reducing the number of people living with HIV without knowing it, but there is still much work to do. Given that more than half of diagnoses are made late, it is critical to focus on engagement key populations and the most vulnerable to ensure they can be diagnosed early and access the prevention, treatment and care they need to live a long and full life.
How can public health initiatives effectively reduce the stigma around HIV/AIDS and encourage more individuals to get tested?
Time.news Interview: Understanding HIV/AIDS in Europe Ahead of World AIDS Day 2024
Editor: Welcome to Time.news. Today,we’re discussing a crucial health issue on the eve of World AIDS Day. We are joined by Dr. Elena Rios, an expert in infectious diseases and public health, who has extensive experience in HIV/AIDS research and advocacy. Thank you for being here, Dr. rios.
Dr.Rios: thank you for having me. It’s an honor to join the discussion, especially as we highlight the latest findings from the WHO and ECDC on this vital topic.
Editor: The recent 2024 HIV/AIDS Surveillance Report shows that over 2.6 million people have been diagnosed with HIV in the WHO European region since the 1980s.Yet, nearly one in three individuals living with HIV remain unaware of their status. Why do you think there is still such a significant gap in diagnosis?
Dr. Rios: This is a complex issue, but a few key factors contribute to this gap. First, stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS can prevent individuals from getting tested. Many people still fear discrimination or social ostracism based on their sexual orientation or health status. Secondly, access to testing services can be limited, especially in Eastern europe and Central Asia, were only 40% of people know their status compared to 92% in the EU/EEA. Lastly, some individuals may also be unaware of the importance of regular testing or might not know where to seek such services.
Editor: The report indicates a rise in diagnoses—about 113,000 cases in 2023, a 2.4% increase from the previous year. While increased testing efforts are partly responsible, what else might account for this uptick?
Dr. Rios: The increase can be attributed to several factors.Following the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a renewed focus on health screening and treatment, which likely encouraged more people to seek out testing. Additionally, public health campaigns have improved awareness of HIV and encouraged individuals to get tested. Though, it is indeed critically important to remember that while more people are being diagnosed, over half of these cases are occurring at advanced stages of infection, which can impact health outcomes considerably.
Editor: That’s concerning. the report highlights that advanced-stage diagnoses contribute to increased AIDS-related complications and deaths. What strategies can be implemented to catch more cases earlier?
Dr. Rios: To catch HIV cases earlier, countries must invest in complete education initiatives that emphasize the importance of routine testing. Providing accessible and free testing services is crucial. Outreach programs must target high-risk populations and offer mobile testing options. Moreover, integrating HIV testing into routine medical care can definitely help normalize testing and make it part of standard health check-ups.
Editor: Speaking of regional disparities, Spain appears to be making significant progress, with a nearly 42% reduction in undiagnosed cases over the past four years. What are the key strategies that Spain has implemented to achieve these results?
Dr. rios: Spain’s success can be attributed to several key efforts. Firstly, the goverment has launched robust public health campaigns aimed at reducing stigma and promoting awareness of HIV testing. Moreover, the healthcare system has focused on ensuring that those diagnosed receive antiretroviral treatment promptly. The synergy between the Ministry of Health and the Carlos III Health Institute has facilitated data collection and analysis, allowing for targeted interventions. Their goal to reach a 95% diagnosis rate by 2030 is aspiring but certainly achievable with continued effort.
Editor: The statistics from Spain are promising. With 92.5% of people living with HIV knowing their diagnosis, alongside high rates of treatment and suppressed viral loads, what lessons can other countries learn from Spain’s approach?
Dr. Rios: Other countries should consider the importance of a strong public health framework that promotes testing, reduces stigma, and ensures access to treatment. Collaboration between healthcare providers, community organizations, and governments is critical. Furthermore, continuous public awareness campaigns can help to destigmatize the disease and encourage individuals to take charge of their health.Ultimately, a holistic approach that encompasses education, prevention, and treatment is essential in the fight against HIV/AIDS.
Editor: Thank you, Dr.Rios, for your insights today. As we commemorate World AIDS Day, it’s vital to remember that while progress is being made, we need continued efforts to ensure that everyone has the chance to know their status and receive the care they need.
Dr. Rios: Thank you for having me. Let’s hope our discussions and efforts contribute to a future where HIV no longer carries the stigma it does today, and where everyone can access the prevention, treatment, and support they need.
Editor: Thank you again, dr. Rios. And thank you to our viewers for joining us. Let’s keep the conversation going and work towards a world free of HIV/AIDS.