HIV/STI prevention among the general population (axis 1)

HIV and other STIs are most commonly spread through unprotected sexual intercourse. Axis 1 of the national programme addresses the general population of Switzerland. Its aim is to prevent the further spread of HIV and other STIs.

Facts about HIV and other sexually transmitted infections

In Switzerland, the prevalence of HIV is relatively low on average: approx. 0.2% of the population are carriers of the virus and this figure is relatively stable at the moment. The BAG is recording growing figures concerning other sexually transmitted infections, such as syphilis, gonorrhoea and chlamydia.

Preventing the spread of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections

The aim of Axis 1 is to maintain the prevalence of HIV at a low level among the population as a whole and to prevent the further spread of other sexually transmitted infections, such as syphilis, gonorrhoea and chlamydia.

If this goal is to be achieved, all sexually active people living in Switzerland need to be informed about HIV and other STIs. They must know the risks, how they can protect themselves, and what they should do if they have been infected. In order for people to be able to look after their health and well-being, they must also know their rights and have access to qualified counselling and contraceptives. The NPHS defines the following requirements and measures to do this:

Easy access to good quality condoms
LOVE LIFE campaign
Sexuality education in schools
Qualified counselling on sexual health
Awareness among sex workers’ clients
Awareness among people travelling abroad

Links
Legislation

LOVE LIFE

Foundation SEXUAL HEALTH Switzerland

Consulting services to pregnancy and other sexual health issues (in German)

Ordinance on the pregnancy counselling centres (in German)

Further information

Counselling and testing centres for HIV and other STI's

Do the risk assessment and find the right counselling and testing centre for you.

Sexuality education

Educated children and youth protect themselves better against sexually transmitted infections and unwanted pregnancies. They develop healthier lifestyles too. The federal government is therefore supporting nationwide sexuality education in the cantons.

Communicable Diseases Legislation – Epidemics Act, (EpidA)

The new Federal Act of 3.12.2010 on the control of communicable human diseases (Epidemics Act; EpidA) has been in force since 1.1.2016, and enables a timely detection, monitoring, prevention and control.