What’s happening

Israel is experiencing a concerning trend with a rise in HIV rates over the past two years, according to Prof. Itzchak Levy, director of the HIV/AIDS center at Sheba Medical Center. On World AIDS Day, it was revealed that the number of HIV diagnoses in the country is surpassing expectations.

Why it matters

Despite global efforts to combat HIV/AIDS, Israel’s increasing rates signal that the epidemic persists. The World Health Organization’s targets for diagnosis and treatment are not being fully met. Late diagnosis remains a critical issue, with a third of patients not being identified early enough to benefit from optimal treatment.

The Numbers

Data from the Health Ministry indicates that from 1981 to 2021, 11,139 new HIV/AIDS cases were detected in Israel, leading to 1,813 patients developing AIDS and resulting in 1,746 deaths. As of the end of 2021, there were 8,386 individuals registered as living with HIV/AIDS in Israel.

The Trend

In 2021, there were 367 new reported cases, a slight increase from 362 in 2020. This maintains the incidence rate at 3.9 cases per 100,000 people. An encouraging sign is the decrease in mortality and improved life expectancy among HIV patients within the Maccabi Health Services network, thanks to effective treatments.

Prevention Efforts

The Israeli health system has added PrEP, a preventative drug regimen, to the health basket in 2019, targeting those at high risk of HIV exposure. PrEP usage is especially common among men and in the 18-39 age demographic. The central region of Israel has a higher uptake of PrEP, which could be attributed to greater awareness and availability of licensed doctors.

Demographic Disparities

There is a significant gender disparity in HIV cases, with men being 2.7 times more likely than women to have HIV in the central part of Israel, and more than eight times more in the central region overall. The majority of HIV/AIDS patients are aged 50 and above, comprising 40% of the total patient population.

The Bigger Picture

These statistics underscore the need for increased awareness and testing, particularly in peripheral regions. As the epidemic continues, Israel’s health system must adapt and intensify its efforts in prevention, early detection, and treatment to curb the spread of HIV.

This story was first published on jpost.com.