World AIDS Conference HIV infection numbers have risen dramatically in some countries

AIDS on the rise: Experts warn against expanding the immune deficiency disease

Before the 22nd International AIDS Conference in Amsterdam, experts pointed out that HIV infection numbers have risen dramatically in some countries. In Germany, relatively few people are infected. This is one reason why the immunodeficiency disease in this country has largely disappeared from their heads.

Nearly 37 million people live with the AIDS pathogen

About two years ago, the United Nations agreed on an ambitious plan: the global AIDS epidemic should end by 2030. Already the year before, the UN had announced a turnaround and announced that around 40 percent fewer HIV death victims were to be lamented worldwide. However, almost 37 million people still live with the AIDS virus HIV. At the 22nd World AIDS Conference, to be held in Amsterdam, Netherlands, from July 23 to 27, some 18,000 participants will be discussing ways in which the disease can be contained. This is also badly needed, as HIV infection numbers have increased dramatically in some countries.

Before the World AIDS Conference in Amsterdam, experts pointed out that HIV infection numbers have risen dramatically in some countries. In this country, relatively few people are infected. (Image: nito / fotolia.com)

Experts warn against worldwide expansion of the immunodeficiency syndrome

Prior to the World AIDS Conference, titled "Breaking Barriers, Building Bridges", experts warned against a dramatic global expansion of the immunodeficiency syndrome.

According to media reports, US AIDS expert Mark Dybul said that the alarming increase in the number of new infections coupled with the growth of young people in particularly affected countries could lead to a "crisis of historical proportions".

UNAIDS (Anti-Aids Program of the UN) also raised the alarm. In 50 countries, the infection numbers - have increased against the global trend.

The reasons: No effective prevention for the most affected groups, poor treatment programs, exclusion of people with HIV and the most affected groups, explains the German AIDS-Hilfe (DAH) in a statement.

HIV infection numbers increased dramatically in some cases

"It's dramatic: the world has long held the keys to deal with the epidemic, but many countries are not taking advantage of the opportunities. That costs lives and jeopardizes the successes so far, "says Sylvia Urban from the DAH Executive Board.

According to DAH, one focus of this conference is the situation in Eastern Europe. Especially in Russia, HIV infection numbers have increased dramatically.

According to the report, more than 100,000 people receive HIV diagnoses every year. That accounts for around two-thirds of Europe's new HIV infections.

In Germany, relatively few people are infected

In Germany, the number of new HIV infections does not decline. According to the DAH, about 3,100 people are infected with HIV per year in Germany - a very low figure by international standards.

However, it should be remembered that many people also unknowingly live with HIV: According to estimates by the Robert Koch Institute (RKI), at the end of 2013 around 14,000 Germans were unknowingly infected with HIV.

According to DAH, more than 1,000 AIDS or serious immune deficiencies are diagnosed every year because they do not know about the infection and remain untreated.

HIV does not have to lead to AIDS today

According to the experts, HIV today no longer has to lead to AIDS.

Medicines can prevent the proliferation of HIV in the body, so that one can live well and long with the HIV infection today. In addition, the therapy ensures that HIV is no longer transferable.

As DAH concludes, all experience shows that a combination of prevention and treatment programs rapidly reduces the number of infections, illnesses and deaths. (Ad)