Fewer HIV infections in Brussels

In 2012, 218 people in Brussels were told that they are HIV positive, 50 less than in 2011. The figures, requested by Brussels MP Bianca Debaets, are the second lowest in the last ten years. One-fifth of the new Brussels HIV patients have Belgian nationality. Between 2010 and 2012, two-thirds of new HIV patients in the city were men.

In Flanders and Wallonia, the number of new infections increased in 2012 to 487 and 200, respectively, although the increase is directly related to more people getting tested in 2012 than in previous years.

“It’s too early to speak of a positive trend, but the decline is still hopeful,” said Debaets. “We must continue to focus on targeted information and awareness campaigns that emphasise the importance of safe sex. The fact that the average age at infection is getting younger and younger, shows that we need to focus our attention on young people.”