293 New HIV Cases in the Czech Republic in 2025 – Highest Number Since Records Began

The Czech Republic continues to have a low HIV infection rate, but the numbers have been rising for years. In 2025, 293 new cases were registered, with the largest cities of the country being particularly affected.

The Czech Republic remains a country with a relatively low HIV infection rate in international comparison, but the figures have been increasing over several years. According to the National Reference Laboratory for HIV/AIDS, a total of 293 new infections were recorded in 2025 among Czech citizens as well as individuals with long-term or permanent residence in the country. This corresponds to 2.7 cases per 100,000 inhabitants. Most new cases occur in major cities.

“With 293 new cases, we have reached the highest number since records began,” explains RNDr. Vratislav Němeček, CSc., head of the National Reference Laboratory for HIV/AIDS at the State Health Institute. “Around a fifth of the newly registered cases (66 people) involve individuals who were already diagnosed abroad. This increase is also related to the war in Ukraine and the reception of refugees.”

A clear upward trend has been visible since 2020. Of the 293 new infections, 153 were among Czech citizens, 140 (47.8%) among foreigners residing in the Czech Republic, predominantly from Ukraine (71), followed by Slovakia (9), Brazil (6), Moldova (5) and Russia (5).

Of the new cases, 234 were men and 59 were women (20.1%). Among the women, 37 were Ukrainian and 17 Czech. The average age at diagnosis was 39.4 years. Most new cases are concentrated in the largest urban areas, particularly Prague (32.4%), the Central Bohemia region (12.3%) and South Moravia (13.3%).

Sexual transmission remains the dominant route of infection: in 2025, 86.3% of cases were transmitted this way. 151 cases (51.5%) involved men who have sex with men, which continues to be the primary mode of AIDS transmission in the Czech Republic over the long term.

Data on refugees from Ukraine

Refugees from Ukraine are recorded separately in the Czech HIV/AIDS surveillance system. In 2025, 86 new HIV cases were registered among Ukrainian refugees (48 men, 38 women), with an average age of 41.4 years. About three-quarters of these individuals were already aware of their infection and required continuation of their treatment.