Luxembourg is effectively fighting HIV

On the occasion of World AIDS Day, the Luxembourg Ministry of Health and Social Protection presented an information campaign with a short but important message: "Indétectable = Intransmissible". This means that a person living with HIV and receiving effective treatment can reduce their viral load to the point where the virus becomes untraceable even with laboratory tests. Most importantly, it is no longer transmitted to others, including through unprotected sex, pregnancy, childbirth and even breastfeeding.

This scientifically proven fact shatters old fears and is designed to combat the social exclusion of HIV-positive people. It is because of stigma that many continue to avoid diagnosis and treatment. As Health Minister Martine Deprez emphasised, public support is critical: "Fighting stigma means inspiring more people to get tested, start treatment and live without fear and isolation.

According to the Ministry, there will be 39 new HIV cases in the country in 2024 - almost 30 per cent fewer than in 2023 (55 cases). The decline is particularly noticeable among men who have sex with men and among drug users. However, contrary to popular myths, the largest number of new infections today is among the heterosexual population - this indicator remains stable and requires special attention from specialists.

There are other positive trends: doctors have begun to diagnose the virus at an earlier stage, which directly affects prognosis and quality of life. This suggests that the early testing strategy is paying off, but not completely solving the problem.

Luxembourg is actively pursuing the WHO global strategy known as "95-95-95". It assumes that:

• 95% of people with HIV are aware of their diagnosis,
• 95 per cent of them receive treatment,
• 95% achieve undetectable levels of virus.

In Luxembourg, the first target has already been exceeded, with 96% of carriers aware of their status. However, the next stage is more difficult: 12-13% of these people either do not receive treatment or do so irregularly. These figures mask very specific difficulties: fear, social isolation, lack of medical or psychological support, and sometimes language barriers among migrants.

Thus, the main challenge remains not so much to control the number of new infections, but to strengthen the system of support and trust. People need to feel that health care is not just about pills, but also about acceptance, understanding and respect.