00:01Poland has a relatively low incidence of HIV compared to the rest of Europe.
00:06But the number of positive diagnoses is climbing dramatically.
00:10The number of reported infections has more than doubled in the last four years.
00:16This year we will likely see another record number of new diagnoses.
00:2233-year-old Marcel learned he was HIV positive in 2024.
00:28It's hard to describe. I couldn't sleep. I felt incredible panic and fear.
00:34But why is the number of infections rising? And how can it be slowed down?
00:43Marcel is gay and part of Poland's queer music scene.
00:47He doesn't know how he got infected, only that it was someone he trusted.
00:55Despite the panic I was feeling, I tried to tell everyone I'd been with sexually in the last three years.
01:01But I still don't know how or where I got it.
01:04I don't know who, I don't know where.
01:06Now Marcel raises awareness about HIV.
01:10Until early February, he traveled the country wearing a mask and handing out copies of a personally written letter in
01:16public places.
01:18Today he is in Wroclaw in southwest Poland.
01:23His letter begins with the words,
01:25To the guy who infected me with HIV.
01:29Two QR codes lead to his music, in which he processes his journey with the virus.
01:39And to a free HIV rapid test.
01:44I wish I'd been more careful.
01:47Despite the rise in cases, only about 10% of Poles have themselves tested for HIV or other sexually transmitted
01:55diseases.
01:56Far too few, say the experts.
02:01As long as people don't get tested or protect themselves, like with condoms, there will continue to be infections.
02:08The problem is, only those who know they have been infected can start treatment.
02:14If I'd found out earlier and started treatment earlier, maybe I wouldn't have emphysema now.
02:22But why has the number of new HIV diagnoses been rising in recent years?
02:28Experts say one reason is that awareness of the extreme danger of the virus has declined since medication became available
02:35to treat it.
02:39There is a lack of awareness, and many believe HIV doesn't concern them because they've only had sex with someone
02:46they know.
02:50Medical staff report an increase in infections in young people.
02:54Risky behaviour like chemsex, drug use during sex, is on the rise, according to an epidemiologist from Warsaw's Central AIDS
03:02Centre.
03:04She criticises the lack of health education in Poland.
03:08What was planned as a compulsory subject in school is now only voluntary.
03:14Many parents are afraid to talk with their children about the subject.
03:19But another reason for the sharp rise in HIV infections is the war in Ukraine.
03:25Poland took in 1.6 million refugees.
03:28Some were HIV-positive patients who were unable to continue their treatment and sought help in Poland.
03:37I have to emphasise that we're not talking about thousands more cases. Poland still has a low infection rate.
03:45The doctor cautions against social prejudice.
03:50Here in Poland, we're trying to be very careful with our statements. We don't want to give the impression that
03:56every Ukrainian is carrying the virus.
04:00Poland is now fighting back with awareness campaigns for young people and targeted testing.
04:05Free HIV tests have been available at family doctors since 2025, but so far, few have taken up the offer.
04:14Marcel hopes that his letters will reach people where they least expect it, in their everyday lives.
04:21My great hope is that people will get themselves tested and stop being afraid of one another.
04:27Until Polish society reaches that point, he plans to continue his campaigns so that the stigma fades and awareness improves.
04:36Account practice only proves.
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