KLİMİK Association Supports TTB's Statement on HIV and Civil Society

The Turkish Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases announced that it supports the statement titled "Is My Family Safe? What About My Health?" issued by the Turkish Medical Association regarding practices concerning civil society organizations operating in the field of HIV.

Message of Support from KLİMİK for the TTB Statement

The Turkish Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases shared with the public that it supports the statement made by the Turkish Medical Association concerning practices targeting civil society organizations that support the access to healthcare services for people living with HIV, within the scope of investigations carried out under the name "Is My Family Safe?".

In the statement made by the association management, it was emphasized that HIV infection is a treatable and controllable chronic disease today.

Scientific Developments and Treatment Processes

It was stated that individuals receiving effective antiretroviral therapy with a suppressed virus can lead a long and healthy life and do not transmit the virus to others. However, it was expressed that the reflection of these scientific achievements onto society depends on getting tested, learning the diagnosis, initiating treatment, and maintaining it uninterruptedly.

It was noted that the most significant factors weakening this chain are stigma, discrimination, and fear, the negative consequences of which physicians witness in their clinical practice every day.

The Importance of Civil Society Organizations

It was stated that civil society organizations working in the field of HIV serve as vital bridges reaching segments that the healthcare system alone struggles to reach. It was expressed that these organizations disseminate accurate information, direct individuals to voluntary testing centers, and provide peer support.

It was recalled that the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Turkey's Turkey HIV/AIDS Control Program also counts cooperation with civil society and the fight against stigma among its core components.

Public Health Risk and Appeal

It was emphasized that shutting down communication channels and obstructing the activities of organizations working in the field of HIV constitutes a direct public health problem. A warning was issued that restricting access to information could lead to late diagnoses and preventable deaths.

It was reiterated that public health can only be protected through strong civil society cooperation, rights, and transparency, rather than by restricting access to scientific knowledge and healthcare services.