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According to the World Health Organization (WHO), HIV affects over 2.3 million individuals in Europe, with a notable concentration in Eastern European nations.
According to the report, in 2021, a total of 106,508 newly identified cases of HIV infections were documented across 46 out of the 53 countries in Europe. This translates to an approximate rate of 12.0 newly diagnosed infections per 100,000 people.
More than 50% of new HIV cases in the European region, as designated by the World Health Organization (WHO) and encompassing Siberia and central Asia, are reported in Russia. Within Russia, there are significant disparities between provinces, with some regions experiencing Europe’s most severe HIV epidemic. Particularly, a cluster of provinces in south-east and south-central Siberia recorded HIV death rates that were five times higher than the national average.
The highest HIV infection rates per 100,000 population were observed in the Russian Federation (40.2), followed by Ukraine (37.1), the Republic of Moldova (25.9), Kazakhstan (18.7), Cyprus (16.5), Belarus (15.6), and Armenia (15.2). In contrast, countries with the lowest infection rates included Slovenia (1.5), Croatia (1.9), and Norway (1.9). Notably, men had nearly double the infection rate compared to women, with 15.7 infections per 100,000 population for men and 8.5 per 100,000 for women.
The map of Europe below, created by Statista, shows where HIV infection rates are highest in Europe.
HIV in Europe is primarily transmitted through unprotected sexual intercourse, especially among men who have sex with men (MSM). Injecting drug use remains another significant mode of transmission, particularly in Eastern Europe and some parts of Southern Europe. Mother-to-child transmission has decreased significantly due to prevention and treatment efforts.
Access to antiretroviral therapy (ART) is widespread in Europe, significantly enhancing the health and life expectancy of individuals living with HIV (PLHIV). Most European countries provide free or subsidized access to ART, ensuring that PLHIV can effectively manage the virus and lead healthy lives.
Moreover, European countries employ a range of prevention strategies. These include condom distribution, harm reduction programs targeting injecting drug users, and educational campaigns that promote safe sex and raise HIV awareness. Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) is becoming increasingly available in some European countries as an additional preventive measure for high-risk individuals.
