Europe faces rising HIV deaths despite medical advances; stigma and funding cuts hinder progress, especially for migrants.
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On World AIDS Day, Europe is the only region where more people died from the virus in 2022 compared to 2010, with Russia and Ukraine being major contributors due to ongoing wars. Despite efforts, Western and Central Europe have not met their goals; HIV-related deaths in the EU and EEA fell from 4,300 in 2010 to 2,300 in 2025, still far from the 2030 target. While overall death rates are rising, they are not necessarily the highest in absolute numbers. HIV diagnosis rates vary significantly across European countries, with high percentages noted in Russia and Ukraine, and low percentages in Sweden and Croatia.
Despite scientific advancements like improved antiretroviral therapy (ART) and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), global HIV services are threatened by geopolitical situations and funding cuts from programs like USAID and PEPFAR, which could reverse decades of progress. In Greece, increased new infections among migrants due to reduced care in their countries of origin is a concern.
In Greece, 53.7% of new diagnoses are late presentations, a problem shared with Europe, affecting women, LGBTQ+ individuals, those over 50, and foreigners most significantly. Migrant populations face extra hurdles, with 55% being late presenters, compounded by systemic issues like lack of interpretation services and legal gray areas that restrict comprehensive care for asylum seekers. Stigma remains a major barrier in both healthcare settings and public perception; many Greeks misunderstand concepts like U=U (Undetectable=Untransmittable).
The UNAIDS 95-95-95 goal aims for 95% of those living with HIV to know their status, 95% of those diagnosed to be on treatment, and 95% of those on treatment to achieve viral suppression. In Greece in 2024, while 91% of estimated cases were diagnosed, only 73% received ART, though viral suppression reached 94%. A key development was the introduction of PrEP in May 2025, but its uptake is limited by lack of awareness among non-specialist healthcare providers. Ultimately, overcoming stigma and improving testing accessibility through community integration are crucial for realizing scientific progress against HIV.
