Logo Polskiego Radia

Number of HIV infections on the rise in Poland

PR dla Zagranicy
Peter Gentle 13.09.2012 12:02
In 2011 there were 992 new cases of HIV infection reported in Poland, according to a new report by the National AIDS Centre, with gay men most likely to contract the virus.

photo
photo - flickr

In 2007, 807 new infections were reported to authorities, while in 2009 that number had risen to 957, finds the report on prevention of AIDS in Poland.

“Since 1985 about 16 000 infections have been detected,” the National AIDS Centre's Anna Marzec-Bogusławska told the TVP public broadcaster.

“There are some people who are unaware that they are living with the disease, of course. It is estimated that 35 000 persons are carrying the virus. On average, three people a day test HIV positive in Poland,” she adds.

The report speculates that the rise in the number of those finding they have contracted HIV may be due to improved diagnostic techniques, though there has been a rise in the number of those with HIV in the homosexual population.

In 2001, two thirds of all those who tested positive with the virus were gay men, finds the new report.

"In this population, we observe various disturbing phenomena that point to the underestimation of the risk of HIV infection, as well as the recognition that HIV/AIDS is a chronic disease that does not significantly alter the lifestyle,” says the report.

“In this group, especially a lot of people are indulging in very risky sexual behaviour, often under the influence of psychoactive substances," the report concludes, pointing to the need for more educational campaigns on how to prevent contracting the virus. (pg)

Print
Copyright © Polskie Radio S.A About Us Contact Us