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Description
There has been an increase in the number of cases of HIV in Poland in recent years. In 2018, 1275 cases were discovered and 29 people died of AIDS, and in 2019 there were 1734 cases and 34 deaths (National Public Health Institute - National Institute of Hygiene). Social Education Foundation research in 2017 and 2018 shows that 72% of persons infected commence treatment within one year of infection being discovered. Treatment is not undertaken for instance due to fear of other patients and medical personnel disclosing infection, and tension caused by the stigma of infection (study commissioned by GlaxoSmithKline). Also, men who have sex with men delay starting treatment due to fear of revealing sexual orientation to a physician.This project addresses the lack of non-institutional, specialist support for people recently found to have HIV.We will organize two awareness and training webinars for consultation-advice centre consultants and physicians at HIV clinics. We will expand support provided by people living with HIV for people recently diagnosed (face-to-face and online meetings; emotional support provided by a volunteer, company during clinic appointments). We will provide volunteers with supervision and annual three-day training. As advocates for the community, they will participate in a media campaign to combat stigmatization of people living with HIV.Forty people will receive support, and a campaign to combat stigmatization of seropositive people will be held (twenty articles/press reports) reaching 50 000 people.Forty people recently diagnosed with HIV will participate (especially men who have sex with men) and twelve volunteers conducting care and self-advocacy activities will participate.
Summary of project results
The project addresses the lack of non-institutional, specialized support for people newly diagnosed with HIV infection. HIV infections have been on the rise in Poland in recent years, with more than 2,600 infections detected in 2023. While the number of infections has been steadily declining in most countries around the world, Poland, as well as most countries in Eastern Europe and Central Asia, has seen a steady increase in new HIV cases. It is estimated that there are approximately 20,000 people living with HIV in Poland, of whom 16 to 50% are unaware of their infection, according to various estimates. At the same time, 16% of those who test positive do not seek treatment. Reasons for not seeking treatment include fear of disclosure of infection by medical personnel, stigma associated with HIV infection, concerns about the impact of treatment, including possible side effects and continuing to live with the virus, and, in the case of LGBT people, fear of disclosure of sexual orientation. Meanwhile, after diagnosis, a rapid and anonymous intervention that builds motivation to start and maintain treatment and facilitates psychological recovery, including coming to terms with the infection, is crucial.
The project implemented the Buddy Poland program. During the 2 years of the program, a community of 12 volunteers, homosexual and bisexual men, living with HIV for at least 2 years, was established. The volunteers, after prior preparation and training, provided support to people with newly diagnosed HIV infection. The support was aimed at improving the quality of their mental functioning and initiating treatment. Volunteers benefited from supervision by a certified psychotherapist. The vast majority of those seeking help received support in the form of "live" meetings, and about 20% received online support. The help offered was usually completed in a cycle of 6-8 meetings. The support activities were also accompanied by a media campaign aimed at reducing the stigmatization of people living with HIV.
During the two years of the project, 150 people with newly diagnosed HIV infection received support. The quality of life of these people improved because they received psychological, emotional and informational support within a short time after diagnosis. Another important result was an increase in the self-advocacy skills of the volunteers involved in the project. Through the activities implemented, the project promoter responded to the need of people newly diagnosed with HIV for rapid intervention based on anonymity and trust.