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HIV Diagnoses‌ Surge, ‍Raising Concerns of Complacency in Italy

Rome, Italy – November 9, 2025 – New data released today reveals a concerning rise in HIV diagnoses across Italy, prompting health officials⁢ to warn against lowering vigilance in the face of what has become a “forgotten” public health threat. The National Institute of Health (ISS) reported a 15% increase in newly diagnosed HIV cases in ‌the frist nine months of 2025 compared to the same period last year,‍ reversing a trend of relative stability observed in​ recent years.

This resurgence, particularly among⁢ young adults aged‍ 25-34, underscores the critical need‍ for renewed prevention efforts, increased testing accessibility, and sustained public awareness campaigns. Experts attribute​ the increase to a combination of⁢ factors, including reduced condom use, delayed testing due to the COVID-19 pandemic disrupting‌ healthcare services, and a⁣ waning sense of urgency surrounding HIV prevention ‌as advancements in treatment have led to the perception of the virus as a manageable chronic condition. The ISS data⁤ indicates a notable proportion of those newly diagnosed⁤ were unaware of their HIV status for extended periods, leading to potential onward transmission‍ and delayed access ‌to life-saving antiretroviral therapy.

The last comprehensive national strategy⁣ for HIV ⁣prevention expired in 2022, ‌and a new plan has faced delays in ‌implementation. “We are witnessing a dangerous complacency,” stated dr.Maria Rossi, head‌ of the ISS’s infectious diseases department, in a press conference. “The success of⁤ treatment must not overshadow the importance of prevention. We must ​re-emphasize safe sex practices, promote regular testing, and ensure access to PrEP [pre-exposure prophylaxis] for those at risk.”

Italy first ⁣began widespread HIV testing in the 1980s, responding to a rapidly escalating epidemic. While significant progress has been made in reducing transmission rates and improving the ‍quality of life for people living with HIV, the current increase signals a potential setback. Antiretroviral‍ therapy (ART) now allows individuals with HIV to live long and healthy lives and prevents ⁢transmission ‍to others, but early diagnosis⁤ remains crucial⁣ for both individual health and public health control. ​ The ISS⁤ is urging regional health authorities to⁤ bolster testing capacity ​and implement targeted prevention⁤ programs for high-risk populations. Further analysis of the data is underway to identify specific geographic⁢ areas and demographic groups most affected by the recent surge.