Over Half of HIV Diagnoses in Europe Come Too Late, Report Warns

More than half of HIV diagnoses in Europe are made too late for effective treatment, international health agencies have warned in a new report. The findings highlight urgent gaps in prevention, testing, and public awareness across the continent.

According to the report published Thursday by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), a total of 105,922 people were diagnosed with HIV in Europe in 2024. Overall, the region has reported 2.68 million HIV cases since the 1980s.

The report shows that more than half of last year’s diagnoses were considered late. In 33.6% of cases, the virus had already reached an advanced stage at the time of detection. These delays increase the risk of severe illness and complicate efforts to control transmission.

Dr Henri Kluge, WHO Europe’s regional director, described the situation as “a silent crisis that’s fuelling transmission.” He said stigma and discrimination remain major barriers preventing people from seeking testing, and stressed that early diagnosis is “not a privilege but a gateway to a long, healthy life and the key to stopping HIV in its tracks.”

While reported infections in Europe have generally decreased over the last decade, the report cautions that lower figures may be linked to delayed diagnoses rather than a true decline. The COVID-19 pandemic temporarily increased testing, leading to a spike in reported cases, but late access to care can worsen outcomes for patients.

The countries with the highest rates of late diagnoses include Bosnia and Herzegovina (80.6%), North Macedonia (74.5%), Croatia (68.3%), and Sweden (66.7%). Finland and Cyprus recorded the lowest rates, at 27% and 41% respectively.

HIV attacks the immune system, leaving people vulnerable to other infections. Without treatment, the virus can progress to AIDS. While there is no cure, proper treatment allows people living with HIV to maintain their health and live normal lives. In 2024, 7,161 AIDS diagnoses were reported in the European region, though data was incomplete for major countries including Germany, Spain, and Sweden.

The report also identified the main modes of transmission in 2024. Heterosexual sex accounted for 62% of new HIV diagnoses, sex between men for 13%, and injecting drug use for 12%.

The agencies behind the report called for stronger prevention programs, improved access to testing, and public campaigns to reduce stigma. Without these measures, late diagnosis will continue to hinder Europe’s efforts to control HIV and protect public health.