A worrying trend in HIV transmission is being observed: most cases are reported in Eastern Europe

Friday, Dec 5, 2025

Delfi

HIV situation is tense in Eastern Europe; global efforts aim to eliminate AIDS by 2030, but late diagnosis persists.

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Globally, there are about 40.8 million people living with HIV, with new cases and AIDS-related deaths reported in 2024. The latest report from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) shows 105,922 new HIV cases across Europe and Central Asia in 2024; while the total number is lower than in 2023, trends are uneven as some countries saw increases. Eastern Europe has the most severe situation regarding HIV, with a diagnosis rate five times higher than in Western or EU countries. The war in Ukraine is cited by experts as contributing to this trend by limiting diagnostic capabilities and consistent treatment access. In Lithuania, nearly one-third of people are unaware they have HIV. Global targets aim to eliminate AIDS as a public health threat by 2030, but current indicators show gaps, with Lithuania having particularly low rates for testing and treatment coverage. In 2024 in Lithuania, there were 196 new HIV infections, primarily through sexual contact (58.2%). The ECDC emphasizes that while new cases are decreasing in Europe, late diagnosis remains a major issue, especially among heterosexual men and drug users. Consistent treatment is crucial for slowing disease progression and reducing transmission risk. HIV spreads through sexual contact, blood sharing, or from mother to child; safe behavior, such as consistent condom use, is the primary prevention method since there is no vaccine.

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