Vigenin: We are close to eradicating HIV, but we no longer talk about the problem enough

“A lot has been done, but in recent years progress has not been sustained. The WHO’s goal is to eradicate HIV by 2030, and we are close. Let us make the necessary effort to put an end to this disease.” This was said by Kristian Vigenin, Bulgarian MEP from the Group of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats, at the conference “The end of HIV in Europe: are we moving fast enough towards the 2030 targets?”, organised by the European media outlet Euractiv.

Prevention, early diagnosis and funding

The discussion focused on prevention, early diagnosis and the need for sustainable funding. Vigenin pointed to late diagnosis as one of the main obstacles to reaching the 2030 targets. According to him, around half of newly diagnosed people in the EU are diagnosed at a late stage, and in Bulgaria and Romania this share exceeds 60%. “The later the diagnosis, the greater the risk of the virus being transmitted and of a poor treatment outcome,” he stressed.

The stigma around HIV

Vigenin also drew attention to the stigma that still stops people from getting tested and seeking prevention. In his view, HIV testing needs to become something normal and regular, and information about HIV and other sexually transmitted infections should be part of young people’s health education. The discussion also covered the need to expand the options for self-testing and the use of digital health services.

Better coordination between member states

Better coordination between member states was also discussed. Vigenin stressed that the differences between national healthcare systems and the free movement of people in the EU call for a stronger European approach. “We need better coordination between healthcare systems and a European effort, because HIV does not stop at the borders between member states,” he said.

Investment in innovation

According to Vigenin, sustainable funding and investment in innovation are an important part of the effort to reach the targets. “The best money spent on a disease is the investment in preventing it. At the same time, we must keep investing in innovation in both treatment and prevention. Innovation only makes sense if it reaches everyone,” the MEP stressed.