Cyprus ranks first across Europe in achieving viral suppression among all people living with HIV, said the Deputy Director General of the Ministry of Health, Dr Elisavet Konstantinou, on Thursday. She added that Cyprus is also among the leading European countries in meeting the 95-95-95 targets for 2024, exceeding 98% across all indicators.

In her address at a press conference held ahead of World AIDS Day, Dr Konstantinou noted that these results reflect the quality of the country’s healthcare services, the systematic work of health professionals, and close cooperation with civil society.

“This day,” she said, “serves as a reminder that prevention, awareness, and access to care remain the cornerstone of our national effort to address HIV infection.”

During the event, the latest epidemiological data were presented, along with the overall progress of the Republic of Cyprus in implementing global HIV/AIDS targets as set by the United Nations.

Particular emphasis was placed on prevention policies that are being steadily strengthened, most notably the introduction of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) from October 2025, as well as the upgrading of diagnostic and care mechanisms to ensure timely access to treatment.

“The Ministry of Health continues to strengthen prevention policies, including the introduction of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) from October 2025 and the enhancement of diagnostic and care mechanisms, with the aim of timely access to treatment, the reduction of stigma, and the safeguarding of health equality for all,” she said.

This year’s World AIDS Day message, “Overcoming challenges, redefining our response to HIV/AIDS,” reflects, according to Dr Konstantinou, the Ministry of Health’s vision for a society free from discrimination and social stigma, with the goal of ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.