Government cuts funding for HIV/AIDS and other communicable diseases in 2025 budget by €23 million

- With reduced funding, there is a risk that fewer people will be reached by initiatives that help to strengthen people's health and public health in general," says Eva Lilja, Chair of Hiv-Sverige.

The announcement to reduce the budget comes just a short time after a new strategy against HIV/AIDS and certain other sexually transmitted diseases was announced. On August 1, 2024, the first day of Stockholm Pride, Minister of Social Affairs Jakob Forssmed (KD) announced that Sweden has a new strategy against HIV/AIDS and certain other sexually transmitted diseases. In a post on the Ministry of Social Affairs' LinkedIn page, Forssmed announced that:

- The work for good and equal health in the population is crucial in a welfare society and it is important that prevention efforts reach both priority groups and the entire population. People with HIV in Sweden should have the same opportunities for good health and a good quality of life as the general population.

In a press release from the government, Johan Hultberg, social policy spokesperson for the Conservatives, also made a statement:

- Today, HIV is a chronic infection that is not contagious when treated. Despite this, HIV is unfortunately still strongly stigmatized. Efforts to raise awareness and break the stigma therefore need to be intensified.

A reduction in funding is inconsistent with both achieving the level of ambition in the strategy and intensifying efforts to spread knowledge and break stigma.

- We have an increased prevalence of STIs in several groups, more people living with HIV and several groups that do not have equal access to care and interventions. Civil society is pulling a heavy load and we have for several years maintained our responsibility for people's health and well-being," says Eva Lilja, Chair of Hiv-Sverige.

Hiv-Sverige is looking for the minister responsible.