The state is ignoring the growing number of infected. HIV remains a stigma, not a priority
Despite modern treatments that allow people with HIV to live long and fulfilling lives, the spread of the virus remains an unresolved problem in the Czech Republic. In 2024, there were 212 new cases of infection - four times more than the target. This puts the Czech Republic well short of its commitment to reduce the number of new infections by 75 percent by 2025 compared to 2010, as committed to under the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Prevention is failing, treatment is not enough
While the Czech Republic is among the world leaders in HIV treatment, it is failing in prevention and testing. Approximately 13 percent of people living with HIV do not know they are infected - and this group accounts for up to 91 percent of new cases. One reason for this is low public awareness and persistent stigma. As MP Petr Fifka said at a Health Committee roundtable in April, the public often lives under the misconception that HIV is a problem of the past.
In 2024, only CZK 10 million was directed to prevention campaigns nationwide. Despite an increase to 15 million this year, experts say this amount is insufficient. And without improving the availability of anonymous testing, education in schools and targeted programmes for at-risk groups, the situation will not change.
PrEP: prevention that is not available
Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) - an antiviral drug that prevents HIV infection even with exposure - is one of the most effective tools for prevention today, according to doctors. Yet it remains unreimbursed by public health insurance in the Czech Republic, making us one of the last European countries to make it unavailable to people.
Compared to treatment, PrEP is also significantly cheaper: while the annual cost per HIV-positive patient is about CZK 196 000, PrEP is up to 43 times less expensive. In addition, the risk behaviour that PrEP covers is often only temporary. Investing in prevention is therefore worthwhile not only in human terms, but also economically.
Stigma kills
According to the data, the number of infections among heterosexuals is increasing, while the numbers among the men who have sex with men (MSM) community are stagnating thanks to prevention and education. The spread of HIV is thus a society-wide issue - not just for certain 'at-risk' groups.
"Anyone can get infected, you just have to be unwary once," said advocate Petr Kalla at the roundtable. Stigma is the reason people are afraid to get tested, he said. If prevention is to work, it must be accompanied by an open and non-judgmental public debate. For example, according to a survey of second grade primary school students, only 45 percent of students are aware that hormonal contraception does not protect against HIV.
The future: deciding now
Estimates suggest that, if nothing changes, there will be up to 1 200 new HIV cases in the Czech Republic by 2030. This would put a burden on the health system of hundreds of millions of crowns. Instead of taking action, the state is waiting in the wings. Yet there is a way forward - increase funding for testing, ensure reimbursement of PrEP and break down prejudices that prevent early diagnosis.
HIV is not a thing of the past. It is a present that is not spoken about loudly enough. And silence is what allows the virus to continue to spread. Prevention, education and a non-stigmatizing approach are the weapons we have - we just need to start using them.
