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
Last modification 30.08.2018
Contact
Federal Office of Public Health FOPH
Division of Communicable Diseases
Prevention and Promotion Section
Schwarzenburgstrasse 157
3003
Bern
Switzerland
Tel.
+41 58 463 87 06