HIV in Latvia – what you should know

Latvia still ranks first in Europe in terms of the number of HIV cases per capita. The Latvian Gastrointestinal Diseases Association (GISA) together with specialists have been warning for several years that too many Latvians are living with HIV without knowing it. Often this diagnosis is discovered only when the infection has already progressed, which significantly complicates treatment and quality of life. The situation with HIV in Latvia was also published and discussed in an article published on December 1, 2025, on Jauns.lv .

HIV diagnostic situation in Latvia

• Every year, around ~200 new HIV cases are registered in Latvia.
• A large proportion of those infected learn about the infection at a late stage (already in AIDS).
• Despite the fact that the overall prevalence of infection in Europe is decreasing, the 2022 rate in Latvia was twice the average incidence rate in European Union countries.
• While HIV infection was previously more common in certain risk groups (injecting drug users, homosexual men), in recent years the number of women infected with HIV has increased significantly in Latvia, mainly due to the dominance of the heterosexual transmission route.

Why early diagnosis and treatment are important

HIV is not just a “sexually transmitted infection,” the virus affects all body systems, including the immune system, can cause health complications and significantly reduce the quality of life. As GISA representatives point out, the impact of the infection can be systemic, for example, causing digestive disorders or other complications.

However, if HIV is detected early, effective treatment is available today that allows a person to live a full life and significantly reduce the risk of infecting others, as well as significantly extend the quality of life. This is why getting an HIV test is especially important, even if a person does not have any major health problems.

In what cases is it especially important to take an HIV test?

Anyone can take an HIV test, however, we encourage you to pay special attention to individuals who belong to a risk group.

• For people with multiple sexual partners, unprotected sex, people who have previously been diagnosed with sexually transmitted diseases.
• For people who inject drugs
• For persons who perform medical manipulations in unsafe conditions (including beauty treatments, tattooing, piercings, etc.)
• During pregnancy, to prevent passing HIV to the newborn in case of illness

• People who have symptoms characteristic of HIV, such as unexplained fever, persistent diarrhea, frequent infections, weight loss, enlarged lymph nodes, fungal infections in the mouth.

Taking an HIV test - where and how to do it

There are several ways to find out if you are infected with HIV:

• Go to any laboratory and get a blood test.
• Visit one of the state-run SPKC HIV prevention points , where you can quickly and free of charge take an express test, anonymously and confidentially.
• Take a self-test . For example, RAL offers the INSTI HIV self-test , which you can take at home. It detects antibodies to HIV-1 or HIV-2.

Self-testing can be an important option for those who do not want or cannot visit a testing site, as it provides privacy and convenience. However, it is important to remember that a positive result is a reason to see a doctor and have confirmatory laboratory tests.

Special offer from 20.12.2025 to 20.01.2026. Buy 1 HIV self-test, get the second one with a 50% discount !

Take care of yourself – knowledge and early action are the best defense

We encourage everyone to check their health on time, offering the opportunity to conveniently and discreetly perform an HIV self- test, which you can easily order in the RAL e-shop. Timely testing is the easiest and safest way to protect yourself and your loved ones, as well as to ensure that in case of infection, treatment can be started as soon as possible.