The number of people who contracted HIV in 2024 in Germany is estimated by the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) at 2,300. That’s 200 people, or just under ten percent, more than the previous year, according to the latest issue of the RKI Epidemiological Bulletin (PDF). The estimate covers new HIV infections within the country as well as among people of German origin who were infected abroad.
The largest share of the estimated infections fell into the category of “men who have sex with men” (MSM). Specifically, 1,300 gay or bisexual men contracted HIV, 100 more than in 2023. 590 people were infected through heterosexual sex, which is 45 more than in 2023. 400 additional people became infected through injecting drug use.
Because HIV is typically no longer fatal, the number of people living with an HIV infection in Germany rose to 97,700 by the end of 2024. Of these, about 8,200 HIV infections remain undiagnosed, according to the RKI’s estimates. While the number of undiagnosed infections among MSM slightly declined by 100 to 4,800, it rose slightly in the other groups.
According to the report, about 98 percent of people with HIV received antiretroviral therapy in the past year. In almost all cases, the treatment was successful, so they can no longer transmit HIV sexually.
DAH attributes the rise to funding cuts
In light of the rising numbers, the Deutsche Aidshilfe (DAH) called for more commitment in the fight against HIV: “The rise is still moderate, but it is very serious and must be taken seriously,” said DAH board member Sylvia Urban. “We need to scale up well-tested measures now and adapt them to new demands.
In particular, states and local authorities should do more instead of cutting budgets in this area due to tight finances. “Where prevention and substance-use programs are cut, rising infection numbers are the logical consequence. These cuts must be reversed, prevention and testing services must be expanded, and the numbers can then fall again,” Urban said.
According to DAH, it is especially important to further expand HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), the pharmacological protection of HIV-negative individuals from infection. The number of users, according to the RKI, remains around 40,000. DAH criticized that coverage is still not universal and that the program is almost exclusively used by gay men, but not by people who use drugs.
“Whoever has had unprotected sex should get tested for HIV and other infections”
There is also concern that many positive individuals still do not know their status. “HIV should be detected and treated as early as possible. This protects health and prevents further transmissions,” Urban said. “Therefore: anyone who has had unprotected sex should get tested for HIV and other infections.” According to the RKI, currently only 92 percent of people with HIV in Germany are aware of their infection. The UNAIDS target for 2025 is 95 percent.
“The trend in new infections is not a matter of chance,” Urban continued. “It directly reflects whether the available protective measures are sufficient. Our goal must be to reverse the trend.” (dk)
