Bavaria’s Minister of Health and Prevention, Judith Gerlach (CSU), has urged steady prevention efforts and early HIV testing as the state’s HIV testing weeks begin. “No one should skip an HIV test out of fear or shame,” the politician stressed.
A timely treatment can prevent the progression to AIDS and markedly reduce the risk of transmitting the virus to others, Gerlach noted. The HIV testing weeks run from November 2 through November 30.
According to estimates from the Robert Koch Institute (RKI), by the end of 2024 roughly 12,400 people in Bavaria were living with HIV, the Bavarian Ministry of Health announced. In the same year, about 290 individuals were newly infected — roughly 15 more cases than in the previous year. The RKI noted that nationwide, new infections rose particularly among heterosexual contacts.
During the campaign under the motto “Test now!” public health departments, AIDS counseling centers, and AIDS support organizations across Bavaria offer additional counseling, testing options, and information events. Independently of the campaign weeks, free and anonymous HIV testing remains available year-round at Bavarian health offices.
