Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) has been a major public health concern since its discovery in the 1980s. The virus attacks the immune system and, if left untreated, can lead to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and even death. AIDS is defined by the presence of one or more diseases due to decreased immunity. There is no cure for HIV, but there is effective medical treatment that can enable people living with HIV to live long and healthy lives.
Most HIV spreads when people have unprotected sex with someone who already has the virus without using protection (such as condoms or medicine to treat or prevent HIV). HIV can also spread, when sharing of needles or syringes with someone who has the virus, or through transfusions of infected blood, although this is becoming less common as blood is screened for HIV antibodies. Babies born to mothers living with HIV can also get the virus during pregnancy, childbirth, or through breastfeeding.
Getting treatment for HIV helps people who have the virus to have long and healthy lives. It also reduces their viral load, which is important for stopping the virus from spreading to others. Starting treatment early and taking the medications as directed are key to making the treatment work well.
Although HIV is preventable, significant HIV transmission continues to take place in EU/EEA Member States, accession countries, neighbourhood policy countries and in the broader European Region as defined by the World Health Organization. The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) estimates that about 765 000 people are living with HIV in the EU/EEA, of which around 685 000 (89%) are diagnosed. Moreover, it is estimated that on average people live with HIV for 3 years before being diagnosed – time during which they may unknowingly transmit the virus to others. HIV/AIDS remains a public health concern in EU/EEA countries, with around 23 000 new diagnoses reported each year.
