HIV is on the decline in Switzerland, according to the latest figures of the health ministry, with only 445 new cases reported in 2017. That’s a 16% decrease relative to 2016.
The Federal Office of Public Health credits increased screening among at-risk groups through targeted campaigns and earlier treatment of HIV-positive individuals for the achievement of this historic low.
“The decline in HIV cases shows the effectiveness of the prevention policy implemented in recent years and the strong commitment of all the actors involved,” said the ministry in a statement.
The number of tests carried out in 2017 in voluntary counselling and testing (VCT) centres increased by 11% compared to 2016. This increase is even more pronounced in the at-risk group of men who have sex with men (MSM), with a 20% increase in the number of tests.
Regular screening allows action to be taken at several levels to reduce the number of new infections, noted the health ministry. First, it partly avoids cases where a person transmits HIV without knowing that he or she is HIV-positive. And it allows early treatment to be started in the event of a positive diagnosis.
However, current therapies, when followed consistently, reduce the viral load in such a way that an HIV-positive person is no longer contagious. This not only prevents the transmission of the virus, but also encourages people to follow their treatment very carefully.
HIV remains incurable and requires lifelong treatment. To achieve the goal of eliminating HIV by 2030, it is therefore more necessary than ever to follow the rules of safe sex says the ministry.
With regard to other sexually transmitted infections, the trend is stabilizing, after several years of sharp increases. Cases of syphilis numbered 754 in 2017, chlamydia 11,101 and gonorrhea 2,809.
It is too early to determine whether stabilizing figures reflect a real reversal of the upward trend, according to the ministry, which notes several factors that complicate data analysis on this front.
Swiss climate activists block vehicles near Gotthard tunnel
This content was published on
Around ten climate activists briefly blocked the A2 motorway near the northern entrance of the Gotthard tunnel on Thursday.
Watches belonging to Michael Schumacher up for auction
This content was published on
Schumacher's family is auctioning off eight rare watches from his collection in Geneva. The Christie's auction will take place on Monday.
Joya Marleen and Baschi named best solo acts at Swiss Music Awards
This content was published on
St. Gallen singer Joya Marleen and Baschi from Basel were named artists of the year at the Swiss Music Awards 2024 on Wednesday night.
Swiss authorities announce cost-cutting in asylum sector
This content was published on
The government notably wants to improve integration into the labour force, particularly for people with protection status S.
Various leaders confirm participation at Ukraine peace conference
This content was published on
The presidents of Poland, Finland, and Latvia and the prime ministers of Spain and Belgium will be at the Swiss-hosted talks in mid-June.
This content was published on
In the winter season up to April 2024, railway and cable car operators ferried 3% more visitors compared to the previous winter, and 5% more than the five-year average.
Rhine flooding: Swiss to invest CHF1 billion with Austria
This content was published on
As part of an international agreement with Austria, the Swiss government wants to pump CHF1 billion ($1.1 billion) into flood protection measures along the Rhine over the next three decades.
Swiss government proposes CHF10 million UNRWA donation
This content was published on
After months of debate, Switzerland plans to give CHF10 million ($11 million) to the UN agency this year, rather than the CHF20 million initially foreseen.
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.
Read more
More
‘First time’ at 16 for most Swiss, sex survey finds
This content was published on
A survey has found that 16 was the average age for the first sexual encounter – typically with a condom. One in ten reported having an STD.
This content was published on
A new test to screen blood donations for the hepatitis E virus is to be introduced by the Swiss Blood Transfusion Service.
Federal commission wants to green-light home HIV tests
This content was published on
The Commission for Sexual Health has recommended the distribution of home-based HIV screening tests, which until now have been banned in Switzerland.
Red alert for diseases in Swiss red-light districts
This content was published on
Pietro Vernazza, head of the infectious diseases department at St Gallen cantonal hospital, and his team examined 600 prostitutes for STDs. The study has not yet been published, but a report in the SonntagsZeitungExternal link said the initial results show that every fifth prostitute is infected but without showing any symptoms or problems. The women…
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.