In Greece, during the first ten months of 2025, 526 people were diagnosed with HIV and 11,549 people were receiving antiretroviral therapy, according to the latest EODY data, published on the occasion of World AIDS Day (December 1). The number of new diagnoses is similar to 2024 (650), with 37.3% resulting from sexual contact between men and 35.7% from an unspecified mode of transmission.
However, 52% received their diagnosis late this year. Late diagnosis (late presentation) means delayed access to antiretroviral therapy, significantly increasing the risk of developing AIDS.
Antiretroviral therapy (ART) is a combination of drugs used to treat HIV infection. It does not eliminate the virus but suppresses it (i.e., keeps it at very low levels), allowing the body to remain healthy and preventing transmission (viral suppression means non-transmissible).
In Greece, since the beginning of the epidemic, 21,815 people have been diagnosed with HIV, of whom 4,795 developed AIDS and 3,721 have died.
The average delay is 3.7 years, and the highest rates of late diagnosis were recorded among women, heterosexuals, people aged 50+, and foreign nationals. However, the problem is pan-European, with 48% of diagnoses in the EU in 2024 being late.
The EODY report also records the country’s progress in achieving the UN targets for combating HIV/AIDS, which are to ensure diagnosis, treatment, and viral suppression in 95% of cases.
In 2024, Greece was close to two of the three targets, as 91% of people estimated to be living with HIV in the country had been diagnosed, 73% of those diagnosed were receiving treatment, and 94% of those receiving treatment had achieved viral suppression.
Sources: Καθημερινή, Lifo, ECDC
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