Minister: Reduce prejudices against HIV-positive people

According to Lower Saxony’s Health Minister Andreas Philippi, fears and prejudices against HIV-positive people should be reduced through education. Thanks to progress in therapy, well-treated HIV-positive people have a life expectancy comparable to HIV-negative people and do not pose a threat to those around them, said the SPD politician on Friday on the occasion of World AIDS Day. “But people infected with HIV still experience stigmatization and exclusion.”

“Over the last 40 years, new HIV infections have been reduced overall thanks to the tireless, largely voluntary work of AIDS organizations, the public health services offered and extensive medical care,” said the minister.

Last year there were 294 new HIV diagnoses in Lower Saxony – significantly more than the year before (171), as the ministry announced, citing the Robert Koch Institute (RKI).