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Abstract
Community based response to HIV in Greece
N Papadopoulos1, P Vyras1, E Chatsidi2, E Stavrakaki2, G Tremoulis2, I Matziris2, A Gryllionakis2, D Peios2, N Xirouhakis2
1ELPIDA, Athens, Greece; 2Venizeleion Hospital, Herakleion, Greece
Issues: Community Based Organizations (CBO) operating in Greece are described for the purpose of providing a picture of the services they offer to HIV+ persons and to draw an example for related actions elsewhere.
Description: The involvement of CBO in the fight against HIV has produced self help activities and advocacy actions in the Greek society since the beginning of the epidemic. In order to examine such response a survey was carried out through: 1. Semistructured interviews with members of CBO. 2. Questionnaires. 3. Review of activities and achievements.
Lessons learned: The role of voluntarism has been very important in improving the life of HIV+ persons in Greece. By directly involving them in decision making and by designing services for their welfare CBO were instrumental in containing the social impact of HIV. Information and prevention campaigns were regularly carried out aiming to eliminate discriminative actions against patients and demanding an upgrade of the services provided by government agencies. These actions may serve as a model for similar initiatives undertaken by organizations in other regions.
Recommendation: An effective response to HIV must comprise mobilization of community resources for the following goals: 1. Raise sensitivity in the public towards HIV+ persons. 2. Make adequate medical and psychological care readily available. 3. Involve patients in advocacy actions. 4. Achieve a functioning cooperation between the voluntary sector and government agencies.
The XIV International AIDS Conference
Abstract no.
WePeG6958
Suggested Citation
" N Papadopoulos , , et al.
Community based response to HIV in Greece
.
Poster Exhibition:
The XIV International AIDS Conference:
Abstract no.
WePeG6958"
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