To improve HIV prevention, Sciensano emphasizes the importance of sex and relationships education starting at school. The institute also recommends making condoms more affordable, especially for young people, and ensuring easy access to screening for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections, particularly in family planning.
Rise in HIV diagnoses in 2023
In 2023, 665 new HIV infections were detected in Belgium, marking an increase of 13% compared to the previous year. This figure is increasing for the third consecutive year, a worrying observation for Sciensano. Among these new cases, a majority concern heterosexual people, affecting both men and women, as well as Belgians and non-Belgians. The age groups most affected are 30-49 and 60 and over.
Increase in infections among MSM
Among men who have sex with men (MSM), new diagnoses have also increased, with an increase of 16% between 2022 and 2023. Sciensano notes that this increase breaks a downward trend observed in this group over the past previous years. This increase mainly concerns Belgian MSM, particularly in the 30-39 year old age group, while 20-29 year olds have seen a stabilization of diagnoses.
Prevention and use of PrEP on the rise
Faced with this increase in cases, Sciensano recalls the importance of prevention methods, such as condoms, regular screening, and preventive treatments such as PrEP and PEP. Although the number of PrEP users is increasing, reaching 8,727 in 2023, barriers remain to optimal access. Sciensano therefore proposes to diversify the methods of delivering PrEP in order to better reach populations at risk.
Raise awareness and adapt prevention
For Sciensano, one of the crucial challenges remains to raise everyone’s awareness of prevention methods adapted to their personal situation in order to effectively reduce the risk of infection.
Health
