# HIV awareness and sexual health in Italy > Developing situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/hiv-awareness-and-sexual-health-in-italy > Updated: 2026-11-08T17:02:44.000Z. Sources: 2. Developments: 2. 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. ## Timeline ### 2026-11-08: Italy HIV prevention efforts target stigma and low risk perception New reports in Italy show late HIV diagnoses are rising due to low perceived personal risk and social stigma, prompting new awareness campaigns through podcasts and sports-led initiatives. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/italy-hiv-prevention-efforts-target-stigma-and-low-risk-perception ### 2026-10-28: Italian youth lack sexual health knowledge, survey finds An Ipsos Doxa survey for Medici del Mondo shows Italian youth (16-25) lack HIV awareness and rely on AI and pornography for sexual education, with 71% calling for school-based programs. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/italian-youth-lack-sexual-health-knowledge-survey-finds --- Cite as: HIV awareness and sexual health in Italy. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/hiv-awareness-and-sexual-health-in-italy