Global HIV cases rise; Europe shows increasing deaths due to conflict and reduced attention. Stigma remains a major barrier.
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Globally, 40.8 million people live with HIV, and in 2024, 1.3 million new infections were reported while 630,000 died from AIDS-related illnesses. However, Europe is the only region where HIV-related deaths increased between 2010 and 2022, a trend experts find worrying. This rise is attributed to conflicts like those in Ukraine and Russia impacting diagnosis and treatment access, as well as shifting political attitudes leading to reduced attention on the virus. European data for 2024 shows 105,922 diagnoses across the WHO European Region, with some countries seeing increases despite an overall lower figure than in 2023. The epidemic is particularly concentrated in Eastern Europe. While some countries have modern treatments, issues like underdiagnosis persist, especially in Romania. Prevention efforts vary; for instance, Bulgaria runs extensive awareness campaigns but shows low public tolerance and knowledge of PrEP. Experts stress the need to expand PrEP use, noting new injectable medications are being approved. Global goals aim to end AIDS as a public health threat by 2030 through targets like ensuring 95% of people with HIV know their status, are on treatment, and achieve viral suppression. However, declining international funding from major contributors poses a risk to these goals. Despite challenges like stigma, misinformation among youth, and difficulties faced by migrants in accessing care, experts remain optimistic about future control if proactive measures continue. In Spain, 3,196 new HIV diagnoses were reported in 2023, with sexual transmission being the main route, predominantly among men who have sex with men.
