Impact of coronavirus pandemic and containment measures on HIV diagnosis

Abstract

During the last months and following the implementation of containment measures in the context of COVID-19 pandemic, the number of new HIV diagnoses radically decreased in Liege AIDS Reference Center, Belgium. The number of HIV screening tests has also dramatically dropped down to an unprecedented level. This decline of HIV diagnosis is caused by missed diagnoses of individuals infected before the establishment of such measures and to the reduction of high-risk sexual behaviors during the COVID-19 pandemic.