The world commemorates the day of the fight against AIDS, Slovakia is one of the EU countries with the lowest incidence of HIV

Among the European Union (EU) countries, Slovakia has the lowest incidence of HIV infection in recent years. From the beginning of this year until the end of October 2020, 58 new cases of HIV infection have been registered and diagnosed among Slovak citizens.

Prevention is important

In this context, the Ministry of Health draws attention to the importance of prevention. Emphasize that the earlier the disease is caught, the more effective the treatment is and early diagnosis will prevent its spread to the population.

A spokesperson for the Ministry of Health of the Slovak Republic, Zuzana Eliášová, reported this in a press release.

However, as he explained, the number of cases is increasing cumulatively. Most people infected with HIV live in larger cities and mainly in the Bratislava region.

Between January and 31 October 2020, one case of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome and one death of an HIV-infected patient were diagnosed and reported.

Testing is an essential tool

21 new cases of HIV infection were reported among foreigners (26.6% of cases detected in 2020 in the Slovak Republic).

“For young people, we must focus on activities that emphasize the promotion of a healthy lifestyle and prevention”, In this context, Health Minister Marek Krajčí (OĽaNO) stressed, stating that tests are an essential tool to start the necessary treatment as soon as possible.

Since the start of monitoring of HIV / AIDS cases in Slovakia in 1985 to 31 October 2020, 1,253 cases of human immunodeficiency virus infection have been recorded among Slovak citizens, including foreigners.

In 127 people, HIV infection progressed to AIDS. During this period, 75 deaths of people with HIV were recorded, including 56 in the AIDS phase.

Tens of millions of infected

Of the total number of HIV cases in Slovakia (1985-2020), in 71.25% of cases, transmission of infection was determined through homosexual intercourse and 20.3% of infections were transmitted through heterosexual intercourse.

At the end of 2019, the estimated number of people living with HIV worldwide was estimated at 38 million, with 690,000 deaths from AIDS.

The red ribbon is a symbol of solidarity in the fight against AIDS. Global solidarity and mutual responsibility are also the theme of this year’s World AIDS Day.

The company commemorates the World Day against this disease on December 1st.