Suligoi: taking the test ensures early access to antiretroviral therapies and increases life expectancy
In 2020, 1,303 newly-diagnosed HIV infections were reported, even less than the cases recorded over the past decade (link to the news).
Barbara Suligoi, Director of the ISS National AIDS Unit, said that "Compared to 2019, the number of new HIV diagnoses in 2020 has almost halved, and this is most likely due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting restrictions on movement and gatherings.”
The incidence observed in Italy was lower than the average incidence in other EU countries (2.2 vs. 3.3 new cases per 100,000 residents).
Almost all infections (88%) were caused by sexual intercourse: 46% of infections occurred in men who have sex with men (MSM), and 42% in heterosexual intercourse (men and women). Among men, more than half of new HIV diagnoses are reported among MSM.
The highest incidence is recorded in the 25–29 age group, with more than double the total incidence (5.5 vs. 2.2 new cases per 100,000 residents).
Barbara Suligoi continued: "Unfortunately,6 out of 10 new HIV infections are diagnosed late, in people with a severely deficient immune status (CD4<350 cells/µL) or even already with symptoms of AIDS. This affects the effectiveness of antiviral therapies. When antiviral therapy is given at an early stage of infection in a young person, it allows a qualityof life and life expectancy similar to those of a person without HIV, while with a late diagnosis and, therefore, a late start of therapy, the likelihood of success is reduced. Moreover, people who are diagnosed late may have unintentionally passed on HIV to other people, thus feeding a number of ‘hidden’ cases, not yet diagnosed, which in Italy account for around 13,000 to 15,000 people.
It is clearthat the perception of HIV circulation is very low in the general population and in particular among young people.
It is essentialto invite people who have been exposed to a risk contact, especially in the last yearand a half, to take the HIV test. COVID-19 restrictions may have preventedor discouraged many people from going to dedicated health facilities. In this regard, there are very useful initiatives for HIV testing in community-based testing services offering HIV testing outside formal health facilities, like checkpoints, mobile laboratories, street-testing, or HIV rapid tests which help get rid of the qualm or shame of going to a health facility.” Dr. Suligoi added: “From 22 to 29 November, the European Testing Week for HIV and viral hepatitis testing will be held, with free testing initiatives in many Italian cities. This is a chance to get HIV tested without stress." (read).
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As suggested by the World Health Organization (WHO), the common goal is to end the AIDS epidemic by 2030.
