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News

A new model for helping HIV-positive people: the "100% Life" medical center opens in Kyiv

30 May 2018
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This is a non-profit space that guarantees zero discrimination and 100% tolerance for all patients: the center will provide high quality services to patients living with HIV, key affected populations and citizens of Kyiv. Every person can sign a declaration with the chosen family doctor working in this medical center and receive quality care in accordance with the program of state financial guarantees for healthcare.

 

May 18, 2018 – Kyiv, Ukraine – On the eve of the World Remembrance Day of AIDS Victims, which is marked annually on every third Sunday of May, the All-Ukrainian Network of the People Living with HIV/AIDS (PLWH) – the largest patient organization in Ukraine – opened the “100% Life” medical center in Kyiv. Sir Elton John, the world-famous singer, public figure and founder of the Elton John AIDS Foundation, has become the first client of this center.

“It is extremely important that a public figure of this level helps us address the problems of our citizens. We discussed the transformation of healthcare system in Ukraine and asked for assistance of the international community in defending the rights of Ukrainian citizens in the occupied territories and prisoners of the Kremlin detained on political charges. Now, more than ever, we need the support of the international community," noted Dr Ulana Suprun, the Acting Minister of Health of Ukraine.

General practitioners, family doctors, infectious disease specialists, neuropathologists, substance abuse professionals, psychiatrists, dermatologists, venerologists, gynecologists and other specialists will provide high quality services to all patients in need. The medical center will also have a temporary hospital stay ward and a procedure room.

This facility is an inclusive and open space that aims to become an example of a patient-oriented healthcare model. In addition, this is also an example of hard work inspired by a strong civil sense and readiness of the state to cooperate and change.

"On the eve of the World Remembrance Day of AIDS Victims, we emphasize again – HIV is no longer a verdict. We, as patients, know how important it is to receive medical services without experiencing any sign of discrimination. The “100% Life” Center is a unique product of the patient community evolution. It will become an alternative for receiving quality services, as well as ensuring the application of global treatment protocols, the use of the newest quality medicines and, most importantly, the absence of stigma and discrimination, regardless of the patient's status. Zero discrimination and 100% tolerance are our main values", comented Dmytro Sherembey, Chairman of the All-Ukrainian Network of PLWH.

Different types of tests, including the rapid HIV test, are available in the center. HIV-positive patients can seek a psychologist's advice and social worker’s assistance. When communicating with a patient, family doctors will recommend testing for HIV.

The center is located at 87A Mezhyhirska St, Kyiv, Ukraine. Working Hours: Mon-Sun: 8:00 - 20:00.

 

Background data:

In recent years, the mortality rate in HIV-infected patients has decreased by 11% (10.4 deaths per 100 thousand people in 2016 compared to 11.5 fatal cases in 2013). During the first quarter of 2018, 767 deaths from AIDS were recorded, compared to 792 deaths during the same period last year.

In the first quarter of 2018, the number of newly diagnosed HIV cases in Ukraine has decreased from 4 728 to 4 358, the incidence rate has decreased by 7.2% compared to the same period last year (10.3 cases against 11.1 per 100 thousand people).

As of April 1, 2018, there were 143,766 HIV-positive citizens of Ukraine registered in health facilities accross the country, of which 45 019 were diagnosed with AIDS; 91 605 received treatment, compared to 15 871 people in 2009. Therapy allows HIV-positive people to live better and longer life.