Minister: One in five HIV-infected individuals is unaware - HIV care crisis deepens in Rostock as testing and support services shrink
Health Minister Stefanie Drese visited Rostock’s Center for Sexual Health on 15 January to address rising concerns over HIV care. The state’s largest city faces growing demand for services, yet key testing and counselling programmes have been scaled back. Officials warn that nearly one in five people with HIV in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania remain undiagnosed.
The closure of the State Office for Health’s HIV and STI clinic at the start of 2026 has left gaps in local services. Rostock’s health authority has also experienced partial disruptions, limiting access to testing and support. Meanwhile, the Center for Sexual Health—run by Aidshilfe Rostock—reported a sharp increase in demand during 2025.
In 2024, the state recorded 60 new HIV infections and five AIDS-related deaths. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent progression to AIDS and allow patients to live a normal lifespan. Effective therapy also reduces the risk of transmitting the virus to others. During her visit, Minister Drese stressed the need to identify undiagnosed cases. She highlighted that better testing and counselling could curb new infections and improve patient outcomes. The center continues to offer education, support, and HIV-related services despite the broader cuts to public health programmes.
The state now faces the challenge of expanding HIV testing and care with fewer resources. Aidshilfe Rostock remains a critical provider, but officials acknowledge that more must be done. Without intervention, undiagnosed cases and preventable transmissions could rise further.
