December 1 is observed globally as World AIDS Day, a day established by the World Health Organization (WHO) to raise awareness about HIV, its transmission, prevention, and treatment. While HIV and AIDS no longer evoke the same societal fear as four decades ago, the virus remains a public health concern, and stigma persists for those living with it.

HIV in Greece: Key Numbers

As of October 31, 2025, Greece has recorded 21,815 HIV cases. Among these, 4,795 have progressed to AIDS, and 3,721 individuals have died from the disease. In 2025 alone, 11,549 people with HIV received antiretroviral therapy. New HIV diagnoses remain consistent with the previous year, with 526 reported cases (5.1 per 100,000 population).

However, more than half of newly diagnosed patients are entering the healthcare system late, highlighting the critical need for early testing and uninterrupted access to treatment.

National Strategies and Actions

In 2025, Greece implemented several key initiatives to strengthen HIV prevention and treatment:

  • National HIV Action Plan 2025: Developed by the Ministry of Health in collaboration with the National Retrovirus Reference Center and the Medical School of the University of Athens, building on agreements signed in 2024.
  • PrEP Rollout: Since May 2025, pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) has been available to high-risk HIV-negative individuals through hospital pharmacies with a prescription.
  • AIDS Reference Centers: A network of fully funded centers has been established to monitor patients and the epidemic continuously.
  • Community Outreach: The National Public Health Organization (EODY) continues awareness campaigns, preventive interventions, and distribution of educational materials.

Expert and Official Statements

Alternate Deputy Health Minister Eirini Agapadaki emphasized: “World AIDS Day serves as a reminder and a call to action. We must support those living with HIV and fight stigma, while ensuring access to prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Through cooperation, education, and solidarity, we aim to build a society where HIV does not impede health, dignity, or life.”

Professor Gkikas Magiorkinis, Deputy Professor of Hygiene and Epidemiology at the University of Athens, added:
“2025 marked the most significant reforms in the last 15 years in Greece’s HIV response. PrEP access has expanded, AIDS Reference Centers have been upgraded and secured with stable funding, and laboratory monitoring has improved, aligning with WHO targets for epidemic control by 2030.”