HIV diagnoses fell by 26 per cent in 2023 in Cyprus, Health Minister Michalis Damianos said on Tuesday.

Speaking on the occasion of World Aids Day, marked around the world on December 1, he said there were 162 diagnoses in 2023 compared to 218 in 2022.

“HIV remains a major global public health issue, as its transmission is ongoing in all countries and has claimed approximately 42.3 million lives to date,” Damianos added.

He said the reduction reflects the intensification of actions in Cyprus to strengthen services for HIV positive people.

New antiretroviral drugs are now available and provided free to all residents regardless of insurance coverage and citizenship.