New registered HIV infections in Poland reach record high

Poland has seen an increase in HIV infections during 2023, as revealed by the latest data from the National Institute of Public Health – National Research Institute.

The statistics indicate a slight rise, with 2,590 new HIV infections reported from the beginning of the year through 15 November, surpassing the 2,015 infections in the corresponding period last year and the total of 2,384 infections recorded in 2022.

The worrying trend extends beyond HIV infections, with a noticeable increase in the number of individuals diagnosed with AIDS.

According to the data, 165 people were diagnosed with AIDS from the beginning of the year to 15 November, marking a substantial rise from the 108 cases reported during the same period the previous year.

“When analysing epidemiological data on HIV infections, it is crucial to note that we are observing an increase in the number of registered HIV infections, not necessarily an uptick in new cases”, the National AIDS Centre clarified to Euractiv.

Spike in numbers – the causes

During the lockdown, sanitary-epidemiological stations handling infection reports faced challenges in promptly verifying and registering submissions, including HIV cases.

“The predominant focus on combating COVID-19 led to a delay in registering certain HIV infections from 2021-2022, with documentation finalised only in 2023”, stated the National AIDS Centre.

Moreover, the conflict in Ukraine, coupled with an influx of refugees into Poland, has contributed to an increase in reported HIV cases.

“Ukraine faces a more challenging epidemiological situation with HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted infections compared to Poland”, Professor Andrzej Horban, the national consultant in infectious diseases, told Euractiv.

In 2020, Ukraine estimated 260,000 individuals living with HIV, ranking second in Europe after Russia, with a rate of 37.5 cases per 100,000 inhabitants. In contrast, Poland reported a significantly lower rate of 1.9 cases per 100,000 inhabitants.

European statistics indicate that 65% of those infected with HIV are men, with over 50% reporting engaging in heterosexual contacts, posing the highest risk of transmission.

Data unveiled recently during the ‘Infectious Diseases 2023’ conference showed that in 2021, 79% of new HIV infections in Poland were among males.

“In Poland, men who have sex with men actively undergo testing and employ precautions, reflecting a relatively high awareness of infection risks within these groups”, Prof. Horban told Euractiv.

On the other hand, in Ukraine, the HIV infection scenario is different, with 45% of infections reported among women.

Access to post- and pre-exposure prophylaxis

People can protect themselves against HIV infection in various ways.

In Poland, post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) falls under the Government Health Policy Program, which provides free-of-charge assistance to patients. In the event of a potential HIV exposure, patients must report within 48 hours to a healthcare facility for medical evaluation, where they will receive antiretroviral medications as part of post-exposure prophylaxis at no cost.

Pre-exposure prophylaxis is extensively available (PrEP), although it must be paid for.

Meanwhile, epidemiological data from the National Institute of Public Health reveals a rising incidence of STIs in Poland.

From the start of the year until mid-November 2023, there have been alarming increases, with 2,650 cases of syphilis (compared to 1,500 in the same period in 2022) and 1,232 cases of gonorrhoea (contrasting with 447 in the corresponding period of 2022).

Still much to improve

“Poland generally is doing well in HIV infection prevention and treatment, yet a lingering challenge is the lack of awareness in the general population”, Professor Horban told Euractiv.

Statistics reveal that10% of the Polish population has ever undergone an HIV test, representing one of the lowest percentages for such screenings in Europe. Closing this awareness gap is paramount for comprehensive HIV management and public health.

Commenting on this for Euractiv, the National AIDS Centre emphasised, “A priority should involve lowering the age at which individuals can independently decide to undergo an HIV test”.

Currently, only those who have reached the age of majority, which is 18, can make this decision, which contradicts other aspects of decision-making, especially considering sexual activity may commence at a much younger age.

“Extending the opportunity for independent decision-making on HIV testing at an earlier age seems reasonable”, the National AIDS Centre added.

(Paulina Mozolewska – Edited by Vasiliki Angouridi | Euractiv.com)

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