ECDC: Newly reported cases of HIV continue to rise

Case reporting from 2007 shows that the number of newly reported cases in the WHO Europe region continues to rise. Between 2000 and 2007, the annual rate of HIV infection has almost doubled, from 39 to 75 per million of the population.

The new data, submitted by member states of the WHO Europe region, will contribute to the work to reach the goal of universal access to prevention, treatment and care by 2010. The data were discussed at the end of 2008 at a meeting of the WHO Europe and the ECDC, and a joint annual report was made available online.

"Our main objective is to reverse the trend by increasing access to HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment and care. The number of countries that provide antiretroviral therapy (ART), one of the most cost-effective interventions available, is inceasing," said Dr Nata Menabde, Deputy Regional Director for the WHO Europe.

She also stated that improvements such as the ones above should not be cause for complacency. The number on new patients in central and eastern Europe is rising at a faster rate than the countries can provide access to treatment. It was stressed that the best defense against HIV/AIDS is to strengthen public health capacity in all countries.

The data reflects the diversity of the HIV epidemics across Europe, and highlights the need to target prevention in different ways. Nevertheless, one of the common goals must be to reduce barriers to testing and counselling, given that many people living with HIV are unaware that they are infected.

For more information

 ECDC Press Release and Report

 WHO Europe Sexually Transmitted Infections/HIV/AIDS