HIV awareness and sexual health in Italy

Recent data and research highlight significant gaps in sexual health knowledge and HIV prevention within Italy. A national survey by Ipsos Doxa for Medici del Mondo found that 72% of Italian youth aged 16 to 25 are unaware that HIV can be transmitted through unprotected intercourse, with many mistakenly believing transmission occurs via mosquitoes or public restrooms. The study noted that many young people rely on social media, artificial intelligence, or pornography for information due to a lack of formal instruction.

Complementary data from the Istituto Superiore di Sanità indicates that nearly 60% of new HIV diagnoses in Italy are identified late. Research by Research Without Barriers for ViiV Healthcare suggests that many Italians perceive their personal risk as remote, often associating the virus only with specific groups while lacking awareness of risks among heterosexual men and women.

In response, public health initiatives such as the HIV up! campaign have launched the HIVoice podcast to humanize the virus and reduce social stigma. Additionally, the Tackle HIV campaign is utilizing sports figures to encourage testing and challenge existing myths.