The National Institute of Public Health of Kosovo (NIPHK) has announced that during the period January–July 2025, 19 new cases of HIV/AIDS were registered in the country. Of these, 16 cases are male and 3 are female. Unfortunately, one death due to AIDS has also been recorded.

According to official statistics, from 1986 to 2025, a total of 234 HIV infections have been registered in Kosovo, of which 53 have resulted in death due to the development of AIDS.

What is HIV and how is it transmitted?

HIV is a virus that attacks the immune system. If untreated, it leads to AIDS – the most severe stage of the infection. While there is currently no cure, with regular treatment, people living with HIV can lead long, healthy lives and avoid transmitting the virus to others.

HIV is transmitted through:

Unprotected sexual intercourse

Sharing needles or syringes

From mother to child during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding

HIV is not transmitted through: hugging, handshakes, sharing food, water, air, or mosquito bites.

How to protect yourself:

Use a condom during every sexual contact

Only use sterile equipment for injections

Get tested regularly at voluntary counseling and testing centers – services are free, anonymous, and confidential

Where you can get tested:

Infectious Disease Clinic at UCCK

Student Center – University of Prishtina

NGO Labyrinth (Prishtina, Prizren, Gjilan)

CSGD – Prishtina

NIPHK encourages all citizens to get informed, get tested, and contribute to preventing the spread of HIV in the country.