The implementation of EPP software using HIV prevalence data from studies conducted in Greece

Abstract

Background In Greece, HIV/AIDS surveillance is based mainly on the case reporting system, which, however, is affected by patterns of testing and reporting. Specific information on the prevalence and incidence of HIV disease is required for an effective and well-planned response to the epidemic. The Estimation and Projection Package (EPP) is a software developed by UNAIDS and partners, which assists countries to map their HIV epidemic on the basis of available HIV prevalence data. The aims of the present study include: i) the systematic review of Greek and international literature in order to retrieve relevant HIV prevalence studies carried out in Greece, and ii) the use of the extracted prevalence estimates in EPP to produce the Greek epidemic curve. Methods HIV prevalence data were extracted from studies conducted in Greece among high risk behavior groups [Injecting Drug Users (IDUs) and Men who have Sex with Men (MSM)] and the general population. The EPP software was employed to generate an epidemic curve. Results According to EPP data, since the beginning of the epidemic the HIV prevalence was steadily increasing and reached 0.13% in 2009. Concerning IDUs, a secular decrease was observed and the current prevalence estimate approximates 0.4%. After a sharp increase during the 90 s, the HIV prevalence among MSM has been stabilized to the considerably high number of 6.5%. Discussion EPP software incorporating data from HIV prevalence studies, indicated that HIV/AIDS epidemic in Greece is concentrated on MSM, with an estimated prevalence above the 5% threshold used by WHO for concentrated epidemics. The results are consistent with estimates derived from the National HIV/AIDS reporting system and highlight the need for intensified interventions in the sub-population of MSM.