HIV/AIDS in the European Region

HIV infections in Europe continue to increase. Scaling up HIV prevention measures and antiretroviral treatment is of key importance to effectively address the epidemic.

Over 131 000 new HIV cases were reported in the WHO European Region in 2012, 10 000 more than in 2011, according to the latest HIV surveillance report by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) and WHO/Europe. Of these new cases, almost 102 000 were in countries in eastern Europe and central Asia while just over 29 000 in countries in the European Union and the European Economic Area (EU/EEA).

The average rate of new HIV cases in the East of the Region (22.0 per 100 000) is more than three times higher than the average rate in the West (6.6 per 100 000) and twelve times that of the Centre (1.9 per 100 000).

HIV transmission

HIV is still highly concentrated in key populations. In the West of the Region, this concerns foremost men who have sex with men and people coming from countries with generalized HIV epidemics.In the East of the Region this concerns mainly people who inject drugs. Nevertheless, data for the last few years indicate a continuing increase in heterosexual transmission in the East, being the predominant transmission mode in 2012 in many countries in this part of the Region, and accounting for close to 50% of cases in the Region as a whole.

New AIDS cases

The number of new AIDS cases per year has continued to decline in many countries in the West and Centre of the Region, while it continues to rise in the East. While countries in the West have observed a decline of 54% in reported AIDS cases between 2006 and 2012, the number of people newly diagnosed with AIDS increased by 113% in the East. New AIDS cases were over 3 times higher in the East than in the West and Centre in 2012.

A role model for HIV testing and counselling: Denmark

Denmark is proactively testing, treating, and counselling persons living with and affected by HIV/AIDS. The country is estimated to have between 5 500 and 7 500 people living with HIV (an adult prevalence rate of 0.2).

At every testing facility in Denmark, HIV testing is free of charge, anonymous and accessible for everyone. Many organizations will also test undocumented persons living in Denmark free of charge. Testing is always combined with pre- and post-test counselling. If a rapid tests turns out to be positive, the patient will receive counselling and is referred to appropriate follow-up services and treatment.

European HIV testing and counselling initiative

HIV testing and counselling services must be continuously promoted and accessible for all to ensure earlier diagnosis and linkage to HIV care and the initiation of HIV treatment. WHO/Europe supports the European HIV testing week initiative, taking place from 22 – 29 November 2013, to make more people aware of their HIV status and reduce late diagnosis by communicating the benefits of HIV testing.

Antiretroviral therapy suboptimal

The rise in new HIV and AIDS cases in eastern Europe and central Asia is closely linked to poor coverage of testing, prevention measures and of antiretroviral therapy (ART). While there was a 45% increase of those in need actually receiving ART in 2012 (almost 200 000 people) compared to 2011, still only one in three is estimated to receive treatment. This compares to much higher coverage rates in countries in west Europe.

New guidelines to increase treatment coverage

In June 2013 WHO published new consolidated guidelines on the use of antiretroviral drugs to treat and prevent HIV infection. The new guidelines call on all countries to initiate treatment in adults living with HIV when their CD4 cell count falls to 500 cells/mm or less – when their immune systems are still strong. This updates the previous recommendation from 2010 of offering treatment at 350 CD4 cells/mmor less.

Implementation of the new guidelines will mean that more people are eligible for ART in the Region, thus preventing more patients with HIV from developing AIDS, as well as reducing further transmission of HIV infection.

Equal access to HIV prevention, testing, treatment and care for all population groups throughout the Region is essential to reach the global goal of universal access for all in need.

Weltgesundheitsorganisation (WHO)
Marmorvej 51
DK-2100 Kopenhagen
Dänemark

Telefon: +45 45 33 70 00
Telefax: +45 45 33 70 01

Mail: postmaster@euro.who.int
URL: http://www.euro.who.int/

http://pressrelations.de/new/standard/result_main.cfm?r=551236&aktion=jour_pm