HIV infections and AIDS in Poland in 2022.

Background: In 2022 due to increase in the number of migrants from Ukraina changes in HIV epidemiological situation in Poland was noticed e.g., double number of new infections, increase among women and children.

Objective: The aim of the study was to assess the epidemiological situation of newly diagnosed HIV infections, AIDS cases and death among AIDS cases in Poland in 2022 in comparison to the changes in preceding years.

Material and methods: Analysis of the epidemiological situation was based on reports of newly detected HIV and AIDS cases received from doctors and laboratories and the results of the annual survey of HIV testing conducted among the laboratories throughout the country. A dataset on clients from anonymous Voluntary Testing and Counselling (VCT) network was also used. They are coordinated by the National AIDS Center, which anonymously collects epidemiological and behaviour data on people who come for testing.

Results: In 2022 there were 2 604 HIV cases newly diagnosed in Poland (diagnosis rate 6.88 per 100,000), including 753 among non-Polish citizens. The number of newly detected HIV infections increased by 78.2% compared to the previous year and was higher by 97.7% compared to the median in 2016-2020 years. The number of non-Polish citizens increased by 219,1%. The total number of AIDS cases was 137 (incidence 0.36 per 100,000). The HIV infection was most often detected in the age group 30-39 (36.6%) and among men (67.2%). Among cases with known transmission route, 42.9% concerned among men who had sexual contact with men and 41.9% by heterosexual contacts. The percentage of AIDS cases diagnosed at the same time with HIV diagnosis increased by more than 6 percent points in comparison to 2021.

Conclusions: In 2022 the number of newly detected HIV infections increased significantly in Poland compared to the previous year, probably due to HIV infection registered among Ukrainian migrants.