HIV in Albania: Global Fund ends, high-risk groups left without condoms

Albania is failing to make progress in reducing the HIV infection rate. In the first 10 months of 2024, 119 new infections have been identified, with an incidence rate of 5 new cases per 100,000 people.

In an interview with Euronews Albania, Olmbi Hoxhaj, the executive director of the Association of People Living with HIV, stated that Albania ranks first in the region for the highest infection rate in the population.

“Compared to other countries in the region and current trends, unfortunately, Albania is in first place,” said Hoxhaj.

She raised concerns that with the expiration of the Global Fund in December 2024, all services it supported have been halted, leading to a total lack of HIV tests and condoms, which serve as protective measures for high-risk groups.

“There is a complete shortage. Organizations have turned to neighboring countries for help. I know that Kosovo has donated a supply of free condoms to associations here, but we need a permanent solution,” she emphasized.

Hoxhaj warned that under these conditions, the goal of eliminating HIV by 2030 is impossible to achieve.

“If we don’t work on prevention, we will continue to see new cases. I have people coming to me saying they looked for PrEP but couldn’t find it, and later they come back as HIV-positive individuals,” she explained.

With the conclusion of the Global Fund agreement, it is now up to the Ministry of Health to fully meet the needs of HIV prevention services.