Last year, 665 people were diagnosed with HIV in Belgium, which represents an increase of 13% in one year. In 2022, there were 597 (+14% compared to 2021). The majority of new diagnoses (328, +13% compared to 2022) concerned heterosexual people. This increase affects men and women, Belgians and non-Belgians.
The largest increase, however, was seen among people aged 30 to 49, as well as those aged 60 and over. Among the homosexual population, 297 diagnoses were made among men who have sex with men (MSM), which represents an increase of 16% between 2022 and 2023.
“This increase interrupts the continuous decline previously observed among Belgian MSM,” underlines Sciensano. In this group, the increase mainly concerns Belgians, particularly in the 30-39 age group. Among 20-29 year olds, the number of diagnoses has stabilized after strong growth in previous years. These results show a rebound in contamination after a downward trend observed for several years.
The virus therefore continues to spread despite the means of protection and prevention, such as condoms, regular screening, treatments against transmission (PrEP and PEP). Unaware of the risk they run, some people do not adopt the appropriate reflexes. The use of condoms – although crucial – is particularly in decline.
Health
