As of December 2024, a total of 2,236 people are living with HIV in Tunisia and receiving treatment across the country. According to the latest figures, the cases include 1,529 men, 665 women, 39 children, in addition to 200 foreign nationals who are also receiving medical care in Tunisia’s public health facilities.
415 new cases detected in 2024 after more than 329,000 screening tests
According to Samir Mokrani, coordinator of the National Program for the Fight Against AIDS at the Ministry of Health, Tunisia registered 415 new HIV cases under treatment in 2024, following more than 329,000 screening tests conducted nationwide.
Mokrani noted that projections indicate a slightly increasing trend in new infections. He stressed the need to intensify screening and awareness campaigns, particularly among key populations at higher risk, including:
- men who have sex with men,
- sex workers,
- injecting drug users.
He emphasized the importance of using social media platforms to reach vulnerable groups and to broaden access to preventive information.
Discreet but vital efforts to protect migrants
Mokrani also highlighted the “significant but quiet work” carried out by regional health directorates in cooperation with the Tunisian Red Crescent to prevent the spread of HIV among migrants.
He stressed that these efforts reflect the principle of universal access to health, benefiting both Tunisians and migrants without discrimination.
Four treatment centers and plans to expand services
Tunisia currently operates four specialized HIV treatment centers, located in:
- La Rabta Hospital in Tunis,
- Hedi Chaker Hospital in Sfax,
- Fattouma Bourguiba Hospital in Monastir,
- Sahloul–Hached Hospital in Sousse.
The Ministry of Health is working on adding two new centers to improve accessibility and bring services closer to patients across different regions.
Advanced diagnostic tools and progress in molecular biology
In parallel, Dr. Abdelhalim Trabelsi, head of the Microbiology Laboratory at Sahloul Hospital and former dean of the Faculty of Pharmacy in Monastir, affirmed that Tunisia possesses high-efficiency tools for HIV detection and treatment.
He explained that modern molecular biology techniques now allow for precise measurement of viral load and identification of the optimal timing to initiate treatment, significantly improving patient outcomes.
Trabelsi added that the Ministry of Education has approved the implementation of awareness campaigns in schools, aimed at educating students about prevention and safe practices.
World AIDS Day: Renewed call for prevention and early diagnosis
Meanwhile, Yosra Kalaï, president of the Tunisian Society of Clinical Biology, stated that the national scientific meeting held on this occasion seeks to promote preventive practices, encourage early diagnosis, and strengthen joint action among all stakeholders.
She stressed that the fight against HIV “can only succeed through collective efforts and coordinated work,” especially in the context of World AIDS Day.
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