Health: new cases of AIDS infection are falling in Switzerland

The FOPH recorded 352 new cases of AIDS virus (HIV) infection last year, a decrease compared to the previous two years. The incidence rate is 4 cases per 100,000 inhabitants.

The number of cases had reached a low level in 2020 since the outbreak of the disease, before increasing slightly in 2021 and 2022. But in 2023, the decline resumed, and the number of cases was almost 18% below of the pre-Covid level in 2019, the Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH) indicated on Monday.

Last year’s 352 cases are more than 70% lower than the average of the 1990s, when 1,300 new infections were recorded on average annually. There has been a clear downward trend since 2003.

Improved prevention and rapid measures to avoid the spread have enabled this development, notes the OFSP. Today, almost all infected people are aware of their infection. They are quickly treated, which prevents transmission of the virus. Taking prophylactic medications also has positive effects.

Since the beginning of July, health insurers have covered prophylactic treatments for people at risk, following the program decided by the Federal Council to combat HIV infections, hepatitis B and C and sexually transmitted diseases. The goal is for Switzerland to be free of any new infections with AIDS or hepatitis viruses by 2030.

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