From left to right: representatives from WHO, National AIDS Program, Ministry of Public Health and Civil OrganizationsBeirut, December 1, 2015 – This year’s World AIDS Day slogan, "Treat all people living with HIV", is a call for action so that every individual living with HIV can enjoy the highest attainable level of health through lifelong access to good quality HIV care and treatment.
In 2015 (up to November), 1113 new cases of HIV/AIDS were reported to the national AIDS programme, and the cumulative total of HIV/AIDS cases in Lebanon reached 1893. However, UNAIDS estimates the number of people living with HIV in Lebanon to be 3750.
Antiretroviral medications are provided by the Ministry of Public Health free of charge. Patients, who are deemed eligible for treatment, as per WHO guidelines, can obtain a medication card and get their antiretroviral medication from the WHO supported national AIDS programme. In Lebanon, there are 110 voluntary counselling and testing centres, where confidential, free, voluntary and anonymous information about HIV/AIDS, HIV testing and referrals to health care and social services are available.
On the occasion of World AIDS Day, WHO reiterated its commitment to continued collaboration with the national AIDS programme, nongovernmental organizations and professional associations to curb the HIV epidemic in Lebanon.
