Late HIV diagnoses emerge as growing threat in Europe, ECDC warns
Late detection of HIV remains a “silent threat” across Europe, delaying access to life-saving antiretroviral therapy (ART) and increasing the likelihood of AIDS-related complications, according to a new report from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC).
“We must innovate in our strategies for testing and community self-testing,” ECDC Director Pamela Rendi-Wagner said, emphasizing the need for expanded and more accessible screening methods.
In Greece, more than half of all HIV cases diagnosed in 2025 entered the healthcare system at a late stage, despite effective treatments that allow people with HIV to manage the infection as a chronic condition.
From the beginning of the epidemic through October 31, Greece has recorded 21,815 HIV cases. These include 4,795 AIDS diagnoses and 3,721 deaths. This year, 11,549 individuals received ART. New HIV diagnoses reached 526 by October, with 52% classified as late presentations.
The National Public Health Organization (EODY) also highlighted progress toward the UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets for 2024: 91% of people with HIV have been diagnosed, 73% are receiving treatment, and 94% of those on therapy have achieved viral suppression.
Across Europe, the ECDC report points to “a hidden HIV crisis,” noting that 54% of all new HIV diagnoses in 2024 were made at a late stage.
