Can Germany Eliminate the Spread of HIV by the Year 2020?

By Stephen Fuchs on


Three years to obliterate the spreading of HIV is quite an ambitious goal, but it is not impossible. The campaign “Kein AIDS für alle!” (No aids for everyone!) has the support of health officials and the German government, which itself has a similar goal in place, BIS2030, which set the timeframe of 2030.

“no longer dying of AIDS weakens the awareness”

People think they know enough about HIV and AIDS, and with the advancements in medicine, becoming infected isn’t the death sentence it once was. Former German Health Minister Rita Süssmut expressed her concerns over this laissez-faire attitude, stating: “The expectation of no longer dying of AIDS weakens the awareness in the younger generation of the dangers of the illness.”

1,000 new HIV diagnoses in Germany were reported in 2016, with the total of known cases reaching 84,700. However studies suggest there are 12,600 untested people carrying the virus without even knowing.

By raising a more positive awareness, Deutsche AIDS-Hilfe believes people will begin to take the right actions to stop the spread of HIV. Not only is it important to show that it is not restricted to gay men, but getting tested and taking proper preventative medications is crucial in reaching the 2020 goal.

Deutsche AIDS-Hilfe will begin broadcasting educational campaigns through social media, billboards and postcards distributed to over 800 venues in Berlin, Düsseldorf and Frankfurt, urging people to take the simple HIV test. Numerous doctors are also receiving proper training on how to address HIV with their patients.

Sources: DW

Photo: NIAID