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Most of the new HIV diagnoses occur in men in Hego Euskal Herria, with an average age of 37 years

In the year 125 new cases are detected in the Basque Country, in Navarre 18 new cases of HIV have been detected between January and September 2025.

vih sid
Stock Photo: Irekia

At present, some 6,200 people receive some form of HIV treatment in the Basque Autonomous Community, according to information disseminated by the Department of Health on the occasion of World AIDS Day on 1 December. Although the treatment does not completely eliminate the virus, it blocks reproduction and prevents the virus from progressing in the body.

Oskar Ayerdi, coordinator of the Osakidetza AIDS Plan, has stressed that  "People who receive antiretroviral treatment and have an undetectable viral load of HIV do not transmit the virus; it is a great scientific advance and also has a great preventive and social impact." "The message must be clear: if it is undetectable, it is untransmissible," he added.

About 125 cases of HIV are detected each year in the CSC. Most of the new diagnoses occur in men and the average age of all diagnosed persons is 37. In 2024, 63.2% of cases were detected in Bizkaia, 21.6% in Gipuzkoa and 15.2% in Álava.

Almost half of the cases are diagnosed late and in this regard Osakidetza has stressed that early diagnosis and treatment are key to achieving good quality of life. 

HIV screening tests

Osakidetza conducts HIV detection tests free of charge at its health centers, upon appointment with the reference family doctor, or in consultations on sexually transmitted infections (STIs).  

In addition, since 60 pharmacies in the Basque Country can carry out a rapid HIV test anonymously by paying EUR 5, another option for requesting a rapid HIV test is the Community institutions.

The Department of Health and Osakidetza collaborate with other actors such as educational agents eta patient associations to emphasize the importance of prevention, especially among young people and adolescents.

There has been no increase in infections in Navarre.

The number of new HIV cases has not increased or decreased in Navarre.

However, there has been an increase in the number of people with this virus. However, there has been an increase in the hope of survival among those with this virus, thanks to the treatments against the retrovirus.

On the occasion of AIDS Day, the Department of Health has reiterated the importance of raising public awareness of sexually transmitted diseases, as well as early diagnosis of HIV.

In fact, one in three new diagnoses in children under 35is given . 

A total of 18 new infections have been detected between January and September 2025 (20 in the same period last year) and 33 new cases have been detected in 2024.

56% of these new cases were infected by male sexual intercourse and 40% by heterosexual practices.

The average age was 37.4 years among people aged 4 to 64.

On the other hand, the majority of new cases occurred among men, 85%. 

Floral offering in San Sebastian

San Sebastian City Council and the Acasgi, Gehitu and Harribeltza associations will hold a floral offering in San Sebastian on Monday for people with AIDS.


The event will take place at 12:00 in Teresa de Calcutta Square.

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