HIV and AIDS in Poland in 2016

AIM: The aim of the study was to assess the epidemiological situation of newly diagnosed HIV infections and AIDS cases in Poland in 2016 in comparison to the previous years.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Descriptive analysis of the epidemiological situation was based on reports of newly detected HIV cases and AIDS cases and the results of the annual survey of HIV testing conducted among the laboratories throughout the country. Data from the Department of Demographic and Labor Market Research of the Central Statistical Office on deaths due to HIV / AIDS were also used.

RESULTS: In 2016 there were 1,313 HIV cases newly diagnosed in Poland (diagnosis rate: 3.42 per 100,000), including 44 among non-Polish citizens. The number of newly detected HIV infections increased by nearly 10% compared to the previous year and by almost 19% compared to the median in 2010-2014. The total number of AIDS cases was 102 (incidence 0.27 per 100,000), and 102 people died of HIV disease (0.27 per 100,000). New HIV diagnoses were reported mainly in men (87.3%) and among people aged 20 to 39 years (71.2%). 81.2% of cases in men with known transmission category concerned men who had sexual contact with men (MSM).

CONCLUSIONS: The majority of new HIV cases are diagnosed in the MSM group. However, the assessment of the epidemiological situation is limited by the missing data on the likely route of transmission of newly detected HIV infections.