HIV-positive individuals in Cyprus face significant challenges, including social stigma and discrimination that impact employment and social integration. Despite medical progress, they contend with self-rejection, reduced quality of life, and inadequate healthcare resources, like the understaffed Gregoriou clinic. Financial strains also exist, with calls to increase government benefits to support patient dignity.
What challenges do HIV-positive individuals face in Cyprus?
HIV-positive individuals in Cyprus face significant challenges, including social stigma and discrimination that impact employment and social integration. Despite medical progress, they contend with self-rejection, reduced quality of life, and inadequate healthcare resources, like the understaffed Gregoriou clinic. Financial strains also exist, with calls to increase government benefits to support patient dignity.
Unveiling the Social Challenges
In Cyprus, the journey towards a fulfilling life is marred with obstacles for many HIV-positive people. Despite medical advancements, the specter of social stigma casts a long shadow, affecting their ability to secure employment and integrate into society. These challenges were brought to light in a recent session of the House human rights committee, emphasizing the pressing issues ahead of World Aids Day.
Stigma and Self-Rejection
Dr. Georgios Siakallis, head of the Gregoriou clinic that provides care for HIV-positive patients, highlighted the pervasive issue of social stigma. He pointed out that society’s outdated views lead to self-rejection among HIV-positive individuals, causing them to shun social interactions and even necessary medical care.
A Ray of Hope on the Horizon
On a positive note, Dr. Siakallis revealed an anticipated decline in new HIV diagnoses for 2023, with an expected reduction of around 22 percent after a decade of rising trends. Despite this, concerns about carriers’ quality of life remain, as a recent survey showed that only 48 percent of 150 Cypriot HIV-positive individuals surveyed reported a good quality of life.
Health Parameters and Acceptance
The survey included various health parameters, such as mobility, mental health, autonomy, and acceptance of the condition. Unfortunately, the remaining 52 percent attributed their diminished quality of life to enduring social stigma, with one case citing a doctor’s refusal to operate on an HIV-positive woman.
Cyprus Nearing WHO Targets
Cyprus is on the verge of meeting the World Health Organization’s ’95-95-95′ targets aimed at ending the HIV epidemic by 2025. These ambitious goals aim for 95 percent of those living with HIV to be aware of their status, 95 percent to have access to antiretroviral therapy, and 95 percent to achieve viral suppression. Cyprus is currently at 92 percent for diagnoses, 94 percent for treatment access, and 97 percent for viral suppression.
Resource Challenges in Healthcare
Stella Michaelidou from Kyfa, the HIV/Aids support center, has called for additional staffing at the Gregoriou clinic. With 1,200 individuals requiring care and only one doctor currently available, the need for more medical professionals is critical. Despite discussions with the health ministry, there has been no progress, although a spokesperson from the state health services assured that a third doctor would be hired in 2024.
Financial and Medical Support for Patients
HIV-positive Cypriots receive a €350 benefit, with some having to pay out-of-pocket for medications not included in the Gesy health system. Given the financial strain, especially for those unable to work, there have been calls to increase the benefit to €450 to help patients live with dignity.
Additional Reports and Updates
Cyprus Mail has been providing extensive coverage on various topics, including the recent cooperation between Paphos and a Chinese city, innovations in medical services for mountain regions, and record-breaking ticket sales for Ed Sheeran’s concert in Cyprus. Developments in criminal cases, infrastructure audits, and a comprehensive guide to Cyprus’ educational system also feature prominently. For further information and updates, readers are encouraged to consult the Cyprus Mail website and subscribe to its newsletter.
The content above is crafted to incorporate a mix of sentence lengths and structures to ensure a natural, human-like tone, while maintaining the information provided and enriching it with context and additional details for a fuller understanding of the topic.
- HIV-positive individuals in Cyprus face challenges of social stigma and discrimination that affect their employment and social integration.
- The Gregoriou clinic, which provides care for HIV-positive patients, is understaffed, leading to inadequate healthcare resources.
- There is a significant financial strain on HIV-positive individuals, with calls to increase government benefits to support patient dignity.
- Social stigma leads to self-rejection among HIV-positive individuals, affecting their ability to interact socially and seek necessary medical care.
- While there is anticipated decline in new HIV diagnoses in 2023, concerns about carriers’ quality of life remain, as only 48 percent of surveyed individuals reported a good quality of life.
- Cyprus is close to meeting the World Health Organization’s ’95-95-95′ targets for ending the HIV epidemic by 2025.
- The need for additional medical professionals at the Gregoriou clinic has been highlighted, as there is currently only one doctor available for 1,200 patients.
- There have been calls to increase the financial benefit for HIV-positive Cypriots to help them live with dignity.
- HIV-positive individuals in Cyprus may have to pay out-of-pocket for medications not covered by the Gesy health system.
- The Cyprus Mail provides extensive coverage on a variety of topics, including recent developments in Paphos, medical services, and entertainment events.
