A decrease in the diagnoses of HIV infection was observed in the Republic of Cyprus in 2023, according to data presented on Tuesday by the Minister of Health, Michalis Damianos, who noted that there were 162 new diagnoses compared to the year 2022, year during which 218 diagnoses were recorded.
In his greeting, at the press conference on the occasion of World AIDS Day, in Nicosia, which was read on his behalf by the General Director, Dr. Christina Giannaki, the responsible Minister, stated that the reduction rate reaches 26%, to note that this reduction encourages the intensification of actions, to prevent new transmissions and strengthen the services provided for people living with the HIV virus.
He also stated that despite the progress that has been made in the health sector to deal with HIV infection, human rights violations continue to hinder the prevention of the virus, noting that "HIV continues to be an important global public health issue, since its transmission is ongoing in all countries and has claimed an estimated 42,3 million lives to date.
He added, in fact, that for 2023 it is estimated that 630 thousand people died from causes related to HIV and 1,3 million people were infected by the HIV virus worldwide.
He assured that the Ministry of Health remains committed to the uninterrupted provision of health services to all people living with HIV, free from discrimination and any prejudice.
He noted that new antiretroviral treatments are now available and provided free of charge to all residents, regardless of insurance coverage and citizenship, adding that they allow people with HIV to live without restrictions as equal and integral members of our society.
In addition, he emphasized that World AIDS Day remains a milestone for renewing the commitment to end the AIDS epidemic, stressing that "to achieve the above goal, we must defend the human rights of our fellow human beings living with or at risk of the virus and free from any kind of stigma to provide them with whatever care they need".
It is noted that December 1st has been established as World AIDS Day since 1988, by decision of the World Health Organization, thus providing an opportunity every year to raise awareness and inform the public about HIV infection, the ways of transmission, prevention, examination and treatment.
Source: KYPE
