Illness - World AIDS Conference: Millions of infected people without treatment
Millions of people live with the virus, hundreds of thousands die from it every year: even if the dangers of HIV infection are talked about much less than they used to be: They are far from over. This year, Munich will be the venue for the world's largest scientific meeting on HIV. From July 22 to 26, more than 15,000 participants are expected to attend the World AIDS Conference"Aids 2024".
At the invitation of the International Aids Society (IAS), scientists, doctors, health experts and activists from more than 175 countries will discuss ways to better contain the HI virus and the resulting immunodeficiency syndrome Aids.
Current infection figures
Infection figures are on the rise again, particularly in Eastern Europe, and remain high in Africa. Around two thirds of all infections worldwide are registered in Africa, says Christoph Spinner from the University Hospital rechts der Isar in Munich, who is chairing the local congress.
According to data from the Robert Koch Institute (RKI), it is estimated that around 1900 people in Germany were infected with HIV in 2022 and around 1800 in 2021. According to Spinner, around 40 million people worldwide are living with the virus and around 9.2 million have no or insufficient access to treatment. Only half of children with HIV receive life-saving medication. Around 630,000 people died from AIDS-related causes in 2022.
These are deaths that could have been avoided: There are now good treatment options, explains Spinner. "Thanks to modern therapy, people with HIV can lead a normal life and age healthily," he says. "Successful HIV therapy suppresses the replication of the virus and therefore also prevents the potential transmission of HIV infection." Those affected can therefore work in all professions - including the healthcare sector.
HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis is important
However, the medication is not available everywhere, especially in poorer countries. More information is also needed about preventative medication, HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), says Spinner. The RKI also points this out. It has been registering a decline in infections among men who have sex with men for years.
The RKI concludes that the fact that there was no new increase in 2022 following the restrictions on contact due to coronavirus could be due to increased use of PrEP. There is a need to catch up among sex workers, intravenous drug users and heterosexuals with frequently changing partners.
In the last two groups in particular, there has been no noticeable decline in new infections; on the contrary, the numbers have risen slightly. These groups need to be specifically informed about PrEP, says Spinner.
This is because unknowingly passing it on remains a problem. Even in Germany, around one in ten people affected are still unaware of their HIV infection - with the risk of passing the virus on again and again, explains Spinner. "HIV is primarily transmitted by people whose HIV infection has not yet been diagnosed." In addition, mortality is higher with late diagnoses.
The first World AIDS Conference took place in 1985. "Aids 2026" is to take place in Latin America.
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- The increase in HIV infections, particularly in Eastern Europe, is a significant concern, as noted by Christoph Spinner from the University Hospital rechts der Isar in Munich.
- At the World AIDS Conference "Aids 2024" in Munich, participants will discuss ways to improve HIV treatment and prevention, with a focus on better containing the HIV virus.
- The Robert Koch Institute (RKI) estimates that around 1900 people in Germany were infected with HIV in 2022, highlighting the ongoing threat of the virus in the country.
- Christoph Spinner stresses the importance of HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) in preventing new infections, particularly among groups such as sex workers, intravenous drug users, and heterosexuals with frequently changing partners.
- Despite the decline in HIV infections among men who have sex with men in Germany, there has been no noticeable decrease in new infections among these groups, underscoring the need for targeted education and awareness efforts.
- According to the RKI, PrEP may have contributed to the decline in HIV infections among men who have sex with men in 2022, highlighting the potential benefits of this medication in preventing HIV transmission.
- Spinner emphasizes that around one in ten people living with HIV in Germany are still unaware of their infection, underlining the importance of regular HIV testing and early diagnosis in preventing the spread of the virus.
- Late diagnoses of HIV infection are associated with higher mortality rates, making it crucial to prioritize testing and treatment to improve outcomes for people living with HIV.
- The first World AIDS Conference took place in 1985, and the next conference, "Aids 2026," is scheduled to take place in Latin America, continuing the global effort to combat HIV and AIDS.
- HIV and AIDS remain significant global health challenges, with millions of people living with the virus and hundreds of thousands dying from it every year, underscoring the need for continued research, education, and advocacy in the fight against this disease.
Source: www.stern.de
