Background:

Epidemiological surveillance of HIV infection allows monitoring its incidence as well as possible epidemiological changes, allowing specific interventions to be planned and their impact monitored. The objective of this article is to describe the results of the monitoring and evaluation of the response to the HIV epidemic in Catalonia, based on data included in the Integrated System of Epidemiological Surveillance of AIDS/HIV and Sexually Transmitted Infections of Catalonia (SIVES).

Methods:

A descriptive analysis of the data from the different sources of information of the SIVES was performed. The time period was defined based on the availability of data from each of the sources of information included in the analysis. The information was structured according to the conceptual representation of the cascade of HIV care, as described in the World Health Organization consolidated strategic information guidelines for HIV.

Results:

Of the total of 4,849 new diagnoses notified (2012-2018), 86% were men, of these; the most frequently reported transmission group was men having sex with men with 65%. The trend in the number of new diagnoses decreased in all transmission groups. It is estimated that in 2018 there were 32,429 people living with HIV in Catalonia, of which 89% were diagnosed, of these, 83% were under follow-up in a specialized unit and 78% of them were under treatment. 73% of people in treatment had suppressed the viral load.

Conclusions:

SIVES as an integrated system of different sources of strategic information allows monitoring the HIV epidemic in Catalonia and evaluating the response to it, identifying key populations and determinants to acquire HIV, as well as the barriers to which people living with HIV they face to achieve viral suppression.

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