HIV Diagnoses Rise Across Germany as World AIDS Day Highlights Ongoing Challenges

New data reveals regional trends, with calls for improved testing, treatment access, and stigma reduction.

Germany recorded approximately 2,632 new HIV diagnoses in 2023, with regional variations in trends reported by health authorities.
Sachsen reported 120 new cases, while Sachsen-Anhalt saw a sharp increase attributed to a potential post-COVID testing 'catch-up' effect.
In Thüringen, new cases decreased slightly to 44, reflecting levels similar to pre-pandemic years, though many remain undiagnosed.
Efforts to combat stigma and improve early testing are ongoing, with free, anonymous testing and counseling available in cities like Gelsenkirchen.
Experts emphasize the importance of modern antiretroviral treatments, which can prevent HIV from progressing to AIDS and allow near-normal life expectancy.