In Bavaria, 2025 saw more new HIV diagnoses among heterosexual men compared with the previous year. The Bavarian Ministry of Health highlighted this ahead of World Sexual Health Day on Friday. According to the ministry, the number in this group rose by about 16 percent to 72 cases.
The total number of new HIV diagnoses remained, the health ministry said, “nearly unchanged” in 2025 compared with 2024. It was also noted that men were still the most affected. The responsible ministry stressed that an HIV infection and AIDS are now treatable but still not curable.
On the occasion of World Sexual Health Day, Bavaria’s Health Minister Judith Gerlach (CSU) called for a consistent protection against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). With particular focus on the syphilis first diagnoses, which remain high in Bavaria, Gerlach stated: “Left untreated, syphilis can cause serious organ damage and affect the brain.” Therefore it is important to educate about the risks intensively, the minister said.
This also applies to HPV infections, which are the “main cause of certain cancers such as cervical cancer.” Gerlach therefore strongly advocates for the HPV vaccination.
Marcy Ellerton
