On 1 December 2017, the date of World AIDS Day, that the Luxembourg cabinet agreed on the new National HIV Action Plan for 2018-2022.
In Luxembourg, HIV infection is driven by specific factors related to new risk behaviors, changes in drug use, migration flows and increased poverty among some of the population. Although many of the measures in the old HIV plan have been implemented, the number of new infections continues to rise as these new challenges emerge.
Among the 98 new cases of HIV infection recorded in Luxembourg in 2016, there are 73 men and 25 women. The main mode of infection remains heterosexual intercourse (39), followed by homosexual and bisexual sex (32), especially in the 26 to 35 age group. Moreover, the proportion of new HIV infections among intravenous drug users (IDUs) has increased significantly with 67 new cases of HIV infection identified for this group of people last year.
The new plan proposes measures to adapt to these new situations and at-risk populations, in particular by expanding the means to contain the epidemic, such as the mobile screening device MOPUD, PrEP pilot project, Roundabout Aids - a peer-driven interactive course - the "Safe Tattoo" project in prisons and the inclusion of new social media and communication apps in outreach efforts. The plan also aligns with the UN's stated goals (UNAIDS 90-90-90).
This national HIV action plan, led by the Surveillance Committee on AIDS, Infectious Hepatitis and Sexually Transmitted Diseases, will cover the period from 2018 to 2022 and is the main instrument for monitoring and evaluation in the fight against HIV. It pursues two key objectives, namely the prevention of the transmission and spread of HIV in the general population and among the most at-risk people, as well as improving the quality of life of people living with HIV.
This double objective centres around five strategic axes, namely: prevention, screening, treatment and psycho-medico-social care of those living with HIV, non-discrimination and inclusion, as well as research.
