Around 1,000 people in MV live with HIV – alarming numbers!

Around 1,000 people in MV live with HIV – alarming numbers!

In Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, around 1,000 people are currently living with an HIV infection, according to the latest estimates from the Robert Koch Institute (RKI). A worrying detail: around 200 of these affected people have not yet been diagnosed and are therefore not receiving any treatment. There were around 60 new infections in the region in 2024, a number that underlines the importance of education and preventive measures. Health Minister Stefanie Drese is calling for increased efforts towards early diagnosis and treatment, which are urgently needed to improve the situation of those affected. It plans to facilitate testing offers and optimize access to therapies and prophylactic measures. These steps could be crucial to reducing stigma and creating broader acceptance in society. Wismar.fm informs that Germany recorded an estimated 2,300 new infections in 2024, which represents a slight increase compared to the previous year.

But what happens next in other cities? In Hamburg, the number of new HIV infections remains constant, despite intensive educational campaigns and the progress of medications that can often prevent advanced infections. The RKI estimated around 230 new infections in Hamburg in 2014, a number that has not changed compared to previous years. These stagnating numbers show that current prevention approaches are not sufficient to significantly slow the spread of the virus. Welt.de highlights that the majority of affected individuals are men who have sex with men, suggesting specific strategies for targeting these groups.

Necessary changes in healthcare

In the context of HIV prevention, it is important to consider the care cascade - i.e. the proportion of people with HIV who are diagnosed, treated and successfully treated. The RKI has created a comprehensive presentation on this, but it is only comparable to a limited extent due to structural differences between the western and eastern German federal states. While the significant HIV epidemic in East Germany only increased in the 1990s, the challenges in the different regions of Germany are diverse. [RKI].

Especially on World AIDS Day, which has been celebrated since 1988, it is important not only to commemorate the deceased AIDS patients, but also to show solidarity with those currently affected by HIV. As a society, we need to do more to reduce stigma and highlight the importance of regular testing and early therapeutic intervention.

The situation requires action and awareness! Only together, through education and open dialogue, can we successfully tackle the challenges that HIV brings with it. Let us not forget any of these steps and continue the dialogue about how we can work together to help those affected.