Since 2022, the number of people infected with HIV in Lithuania has increased significantly, however, the main reason is not local infection, but the large number of foreign citizens who arrive already sick.
Of the 400 foreigners who received a positive result after an HIV test in Lithuania, 70% were diagnosed in the last three years. Most are citizens of Ukraine. Public health specialist Kęstutis Rudaitis said that the increase in the number of newly detected HIV cases is directly influenced by the geopolitical situation and a significantly larger flow of immigrants, especially from Ukraine.
About ten people come to the testing center in Vilnius every day to undergo anonymous tests, there are days when as many as two HIV cases are detected. Treatment is available regardless of nationality, but a residence permit, a declared address and employment are required.
Infectious disease specialist Professor Raimonda Matulionytė said that
most people are treated outside of hospitals, but the growing number of foreigners has created new challenges.
The professor pointed out that there is a language barrier, as new doctors do not speak Russian. She also added that in some parts of Eastern Europe, the proportion of HIV-positive people can be as high as 1% of the population, which means that in a country with a population of 46 million, there may be as many as 46,000 people infected with HIV. Consequently, many people already arrive in Lithuania HIV-positive, and therefore routine tests are necessary regardless of the risk group, if a person arrives from a country where the disease is common.
HIV is not curable, but it can be completely controlled with medication.
Read the full article in English here: https://www.lrt.lt/en/news-in-english/19/2696412/hiv-cases-rising-in-lithuania-driven-by-infections-among-foreign-nationals
Read also: Fighting the roots of disease and disorder: Poland plans to limit alcohol sales hours