HIV infections recorded a decrease in Cyprus in 2023, according to data presented on Tuesday by Minister of Health, Michael Damianos, who noted that in 2023 there were 162 new cases compared to 218 in 2022.
In an address at a press conference, in Nicosia, on the occasion of World AIDS Day, read out by Permanent Secretary of the Ministry Christina Yiannaki, the Minister said that the reduction rate reaches 26% noting that they will intensify actions to prevent new transmissions and strengthen the services provided for people living with HIV.
He stressed that the Ministry of Health remains committed to the unhindered provision of health services to all people living with HIV, without discrimination.
Damianou noted that the new antiretroviral treatment preparations 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 members of our society.
According to the Minister, despite the progress made in the health sector to address HIV infection, human rights violations continue to hinder the containment of the virus. He said that HIV remains a major global public health issue, as its transmission continues in all countries and resulted to the death of 42.3 million people to date.
Concluding, he said that it is estimated that in 2023 around 630,000 people died from HIV-related causes and 1.3 million people were infected with HIV worldwide.
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Source: CNA/ELA/AAR/AGK/2024
