HIV is spreading at an alarming rate, with numerous new cases reported each year.
Ukraine and Russia are hotspots for HIV outbreaks and both make the list of countries with the highest HIV/AIDS rate in Europe, as both nations are afflicted by economic hardship and armed war, both of which could exacerbate the virus’s spread .
Countries mostly in Eastern Europe are seeing increases in HIV/AIDS infections with the main cause of the HIV transmission being the use of drugs i.e heroin as users have to share needles.
How is HIV transmitted?
HIV can spread when blood, semen (“cum”), or vaginal fluids enter into contact with the body. People with HIV may not be aware of their infection at first due to the moderate nature of the symptoms. Without being aware of it, they can infect others with HIV.
- Having anal or vaginal intercourse without using condoms or HIV prevention or treatment medications with an HIV-positive person.
- sharing syringes, needles, or other supplies used for injecting drugs with an HIV-positive person.
- Perinatal transmission -the term for HIV transmission from a mother to a child when she is pregnant, giving birth, or breastfeeding.
This is a list of 10+ countries with the highest rate of HIV cases in Europe.
| Country | Percentage % | Deaths | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Russia | 0.012 | |
| 2. | Ukraine | 0.01 | 3100 |
| 3. | Estonia | 0.008 | 100 |
| 4. | Moldova | 0.008 | 500 |
| 5. | Belarus | 0.005 | 200 |
| 6. | Portugal | 0.005 | 500 |
| 7. | Greece | 0.004 | 100 |
| 8. | Spain | 0.003 | 1000 |
| 9. | Luxembourg | 0.003 | 100 |
| 10. | Latvia | 0.003 | 100 |
| 11. | Georgia | 0.003 | 100 |
| 12. | France | 0.003 | 500 |
| 13. | Ireland | 0.002 | 100 |
| 14. | Switzerland | 0.002 | 200 |
| 15. | Sweden | 0.002 | |
| 16. | Netherlands | 0.002 | 100 |
| 17. | Italy | 0.002 | 1000 |
| 18. | Iceland | 0.001 | 100 |
| 19. | Lithuania | 0.001 | 100 |
| 20. | Norway | 0.001 | 100 |
| 21. | Finland | 0.001 | 100 |
| 22. | Denmark | 0.001 | 100 |
How can HIV not spread?
- contact with tears, saliva, or perspiration
- A handshake
- Hugging
- Sharing eating utensils
- Taking a swim in the same pool
- Utilizing the same toilet seats
- Insects or other animals biting you
