New HIV infections in Germany are not falling

Number of new HIV infections does not decline
Around 3,200 people became infected with HIV in Germany last year. The number thus remains unchanged compared to the previous year. Apparently, the efforts of existing preventive measures have not been sufficient to contain the infections.
Number of HIV infections does not decline
Although the UN recently announced that 40 percent fewer HIV deaths were registered worldwide, the number of new HIV infections in Germany is not declining, despite educational campaigns and medicines. As reported by the dpa news agency, the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) in Berlin estimates that around 3,200 new people were infected in 2014. The number thus remains unchanged compared to the previous year.

Hiv new infections continue to be constant. Image: jarun011 - fotolia

Diagnoses are often made late
And this despite the fact that the proportion of those infected who are taking medication and as a result are hardly ever infectious has risen in recent years. "However, this positive effect and the previous prevention efforts have so far not been sufficient," said RKI President Lothar Wieler on Monday. As the Epidemiological Bulletin of the RKI shows, their estimates are based on model calculations, because HIV is often diagnosed years after infection. Last year, the experts pointed out that in 2013 around 14,000 Germans were unknowingly infected with HIV.

Nearly 500 patients died
According to the latest release, the number of new infections among heterosexual women and men is rising slightly. Most sufferers are still men who have sex with men despite slightly decreasing numbers of new infections. Regional differences are also noticeable. For example, the RKI already reported in summer that the number of new HIV diagnoses is rising most in Berlin. The institute assumes that 480 infected persons died nationwide last year. The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is the cause of the immune deficiency disease AIDS. (Ad)