The World Health Organization (WHO) has chosen this year’s theme as “Take the rights path: My health, my right.” The theme highlights the right to health and the need to address inequalities hindering efforts to end AIDS globally. Key priorities include:

• Ensuring universal access to HIV testing and treatment.

• Providing accessible and effective HIV prevention measures.

• Reducing stigma and negative attitudes toward HIV and those living with it.

While significant progress has been made in combating HIV, major gaps remain. Access to diagnostic testing, timely treatment, and preventive services remains uneven, leading to ongoing transmission. For instance, in Europe, it is estimated that one in three people living with HIV are unaware of their status, though rates vary across regions. Overcoming stereotypes about who is at risk for HIV and lowering the threshold for testing are essential steps forward.

Stigma and misinformation about HIV persist and often prevent individuals from seeking healthcare. A recent international survey revealed that stigma and negative attitudes are still prevalent in healthcare settings, highlighting the urgent need for education and awareness.

HIV in Iceland

In Iceland, access to HIV testing and treatment is generally excellent, with both services provided free of charge. Modern medications can effectively control the virus, enabling individuals on treatment to lead normal lives. Furthermore, proper treatment significantly reduces the risk of HIV transmission. With medication, the progression of HIV to AIDS can typically be prevented.

In 2023, an increase in new HIV diagnoses was reported in Europe from the previous year. The same trend was observed in Iceland, where 44 individuals were diagnosed but with 61% of these being previously diagnosed infections from abroad. Of the newly diagnosed, 32 were men (73%) and 12 were women: 23 cases (52%) were among men who have sex with men (MSM), 16 cases were due to heterosexual transmission, and five involved other or unknown transmission routes. Two individuals (a man and a woman) were diagnosed with AIDS in Iceland in 2023, but there were no fatalities.

The primary mode of HIV transmission is unprotected sexual contact. HIV can also spread through sharing needles or syringes with an infected person. Additionally, babies born to mothers living with HIV can contract the virus during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding.

Figure. HIV diagnoses by gender 2019-2023 (men: blue, women: teal)

HIV testing is available at the Department of Infectious Diseases and the Dermatology and Sexually Transmitted Diseases Clinic at Landspitali National University Hospital, and at primary healthcare centers. For further information, visit the Directorate of Health’s website. Additionally, HIV-Iceland (Stöð 69) offers free rapid HIV testing and counseling service.

The Chief Epidemiologist

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