A round table was held in Lviv, dedicated to raising awareness about HIV/AIDS, titled ‘Lessons in Loss for Life’. The aim of the event was to remind people of the seriousness of the disease and to unite efforts in combating it.
The head of the Health Department of Lviv City Council, Marta Matiushko, emphasised the importance of attention from healthcare professionals towards patients with HIV, which is often prejudiced. A lot depends on how safe a patient feels in the city.
Infectious disease doctor Olena Pavlyshyn noted that in Ukraine, the predominant mode of HIV transmission is sexual, accounting for more than 80% of cases. Ms. Tetyana, who is HIV-positive, stated that her attitude towards the sick changed after her personal experience. She noted that she now lives with HIV and views the diagnosis as a push towards new opportunities.
In August 2022, the Centre for Integrated Medico-Social Services was opened in Lviv, where confidential HIV testing can be carried out. The centre provides comprehensive services and minimises discrimination based on status.
“I remember the year 2022 when the idea to create the Centre for Integrated Medico-Social Services emerged. We accomplished it within the Second Medical Association of Lviv,” — deputy director of the Department of Humanitarian Policy of Lviv City Council Andriy Myskyv