Deutsch
Deutsch

After the epidemiological Bulletin no. 44 of the Robert-Koch-Institute from 3 November 2014 approximately 80.000 HIV-positive people live in Germany. In 2013 the number of new HIV infections has been estimated at 3,200.

In 2011 and 2012, the German AIDS-Relief conducted a study throughout Germany in order to collect experiences about stigma and discrimination against HIV-positive people. For that purpose 1,148 people were asked about their experiences.

The stigma of HIV-infection entails that 42 % of all respondents, in the year prior to the survey, had  low self-esteem due to the infection and that 75 % felt sad or depressed in the last 12 months.

Negative attitudes towards people with HIV are associated with different lifestyles compared to the civic norms. Although HIV and AIDS are, due to the progress of science, less stigmatized than in the 80s, they are still linked to drug use, sex work and homosexuality.

Entry restrictions for people with HIV are particularly significant cases of discrimination. Currently, there are 16 countries whose legislation categorically refuses the entry of HIV-positive people. The disclosure of HIV status in the visa application or immigration form results in the prohibition of entry or immediate expulsion.