Poland is experiencing a significant increase in HIV infections after a period of stability, with a particularly concerning situation unfolding in the Lower Silesia region.
Rising HIV Infection Rates
Poland is witnessing a sharp rise in sexually transmitted infections, including HIV, after years of relative stability. The situation is particularly acute in the Lower Silesia region, with experts warning this trend may worsen.
Recent data indicates that the post-COVID-19 pandemic period and the influx of refugees from Ukraine have significantly altered the country’s epidemiological landscape. Currently, Poland sees over 5 new HIV diagnoses daily.
Data Reveals Alarming Trends
In 2020, the HIV infection rate was approximately 2.5 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, but it has risen to over 6 per 100,000 in 2024. In 2025, Lower Silesia’s Oława region reported 444 new HIV infections, more than double the number from the previous year.
Increase in Sexually Transmitted Diseases
Alongside the rise in HIV, there’s a concurrent increase in other sexually transmitted diseases, most notably syphilis, with cases more than quadrupling since the start of the pandemic. Similar trends are observed with gonorrhea and chlamydia.
Factors Contributing to the Increase
The increase in reported cases may not solely reflect new infections but also improved detection of previously undiagnosed cases.
Refugee Population and HIV Diagnosis
While 27.6% is a statistic related to a patient base, it’s important to note that many refugees arrive in Poland with pre-existing HIV diagnoses seeking continued therapy disrupted by the war, rather than bringing new infections.
Demographic Breakdown of Infections
The highest number of infections is among individuals aged 25–44, but a concerning increase is observed in those over 45, indicating changing health and sexual behaviors in older age groups.
Challenges in Tracking Transmission Routes
A major challenge is the lack of complete data on transmission routes. In over half of the cases, it’s impossible to determine how the infection occurred. Where data is available, sexual contact is dominant, particularly among men who have sex with men (MSM), followed by heterosexual contact.
Resurgence of HIV Among Injecting Drug Users
After years of decline, HIV infections are again rising among people who inject drugs. This is exacerbated by a drastic reduction in needle and syringe exchange programs, from over 20 to just a few.
Emerging Threat of Fentanyl
Although Poland isn’t yet experiencing an opioid crisis like the US, authorities are monitoring the market for fentanyl. The introduction of synthetic opioids, combined with a lack of prevention, could be a “biological bomb.”
Addressing the Surge: Key Pillars
Experts agree that this is just the beginning. To avoid overwhelming the public health system, three key pillars are crucial.
Without these measures, Poland could face a health challenge that dwarfs the COVID-19 pandemic.
Free HIV Testing Locations
HIV diagnostics are quick and require only a small blood sample, without fasting. Testing is available at most medical laboratories, but the most accessible option is through Consultative and Diagnostic Points (PKD), offering free, anonymous testing without a referral. A list of PKD locations is available at https://aids.gov.pl/pkd/.
