Spain launches new HIV and STI prevention and screening initiatives

Health authorities in Spain are implementing new strategies to combat HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). In Galicia, the Consellería de Sanidade will launch opportunistic screening for HIV, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and gonorrhea this year. This initiative is part of the Galician STI Infection Plan 2026-2030, which aims to eliminate HIV as a public health problem by 2030. The screening will target high-incidence age groups in both primary and hospital settings.

Simultaneously, a prevention campaign titled “El VIH y las ITS no rentan 2026” is being launched with funding from the Ministry of Health's Division for the Control of HIV, STIs, Viral Hepatitis, and Tuberculosis. The program focuses on youth education and prevention through leisure activities. ASDE Scouts de España is participating in the campaign, which aims to change attitudes, reduce stigma, and provide educational resources to Scout groups to improve preventive behaviors among young people.