Fewer HIV cases again in 2023 after increase during pandemic
Published: Monday, Nov 25th 2024, 13:20
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After an increase in infections with the AIDS virus during the pandemic, there were fewer cases in Switzerland again in 2023. A total of 352 cases were reported to the Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH). The number of cases was therefore 17.8% below the pre-pandemic figure from 2019.
After a record low in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the number of cases rose again slightly in 2021 and 2022, as the FOPH announced on Monday. However, this trend did not continue last year. For comparison: in the 1990s, an average of 1,300 cases were reported per year.
In Switzerland, the number of HIV cases has been falling since 2003, with the most recent incidence rate being 4.0 cases per 100,000 people in the resident population.
The FOPH believes that one reason for the decline is more effective treatment and improved prevention. Almost all people with HIV are aware of their infection and are treated quickly and effectively so that they can no longer pass on the virus. The use of preventive medication (pre-exposure prophylaxis, or Prep for short) has also contributed to the decline. By the end of 2023, around 5750 men who have sex with men had taken part in the program.
Since the beginning of July, health insurance companies have been covering the costs of prophylaxis for people with an increased risk of HIV infection. HIV-negative people can take an HIV medication to protect themselves from infection in the event of contact. The adjustment is part of the "Stop HIV, hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C virus and sexually transmitted infections (naps)" program adopted by the Federal Council. By 2030, there should be no more infections with the AIDS virus and no more infections with hepatitis B and C in Switzerland.
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