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With new HIV infections on the decline in Luxembourg, World AIDS Day on 1 December, served as a platform to highlight progress and the ongoing challenges in prevention and care.
Luxembourg marked World AIDS Day on 1 December with a series of awareness-raising initiatives.
In Luxembourg City, volunteers distributed condoms and red ribbons while mobile units offered free HIV testing.
The latest figures show that Luxembourg recorded 53 new HIV infections in 2023, a decrease of 14 cases compared to the previous year. Globally, 1.3 million new infections were reported in the same period.
Through its activities, the Luxembourg Red Cross aims to raise public awareness and provide support for those affected by HIV.
A national awareness campaign, running until 21 December, focuses on prevention and the importance of increased screenings. Free condoms will also be distributed at Christmas markets in Luxembourg City, Dudelange, and Diekirch as part of the campaign.
Contrary to previous misconceptions, HIV affects a broad spectrum of people, not only homosexual men. Around half of new infections occur through heterosexual intercourse while others result from drug use, such as sharing unclean syringes.
Differences in infection patterns also emerge across age groups, explained Laurence Mortier, Director of HIV Counselling, in an interview with our colleagues from RTL Radio. Among men who have homosexual relations, younger men aged 20 to 35 are the ones most frequently infected. In contrast, individuals contracting the virus through heterosexual relations are generally aged 40 and older. Among drug users diagnosed in 2023, most were in their thirties.
Luxembourg is making strides in its fight against HIV. 89 percent of those diagnosed are undergoing treatment, and 95% of treated patients have achieved an undetectable viral load. These figures place Luxembourg close to meeting international targets aimed at controlling the epidemic.
HIV Counselling plays a crucial role in improving access to care and treatment for individuals living with HIV in Luxembourg. Sandy, a 33-year-old from Wiltz, shared how the service has significantly impacted their life.
"Thanks to HIV Counselling, I was able to get a room. Otherwise, I would have been sleeping outside," Sandy told our colleagues from RTL Télé. "They provide us with medication, help if I have skin issues, and even accompany me to doctor's appointments when needed."
The service emphasises three key aspects of HIV prevention and management: using condoms, getting tested, and seeking medical treatment.
As part of the World AIDS Day activities, an event was held on Sunday at the Rainbow Centre to foster awareness and community support.
