Europe is struggling to diagnose HIV early enough, with more than half of all cases in 2024 detected at a late stage when treatment is less effective and health risks are significantly higher. New data from ECDC and WHO/Europe show that this persistent testing gap, together with a growing number of undiagnosed infections, is threatening the region’s ability to meet the 2030 target of ending AIDS as a public health threat.
Across the WHO European Region, 105,922 HIV diagnoses were recorded in 2024. Although this represents a slight decrease from the previous year, the findings indicate that many infections are still going undetected for too long. Late diagnosis remains one of the biggest barriers, increasing the likelihood of severe illness, death, and ongoing transmission.
In the EU/EEA, 24,164 diagnoses were reported, with 48% classified as late. Sex between men continues to be the most common route of transmission, but heterosexual transmission is rising and now accounts for nearly half of new cases. Health leaders stress that diagnosing earlier requires more innovative testing approaches, including community-based services and self-testing, as well as quicker access to treatment.
Late diagnoses across the broader European Region reached 54%, with the highest rates among people infected through heterosexual contact—particularly men—and people who inject drugs. Nearly one-third of all new diagnoses occurred among people born outside the country of diagnosis, demonstrating a pressing need for more accessible, culturally appropriate prevention and testing services.
Health officials warn that despite progress in expanding testing since 2020, the number of people living with undiagnosed HIV continues to rise, silently fueling transmission. Persistent stigma and discrimination remain major barriers to early testing, discouraging people from seeking timely care and support.
ECDC and WHO/Europe are urging countries to expand routine HIV testing, normalize self-testing options, strengthen community outreach, and ensure faster linkage to care. Achieving the 2030 goal of ending AIDS as a public health threat is still possible, but only if the region closes the widening testing gap now.
