In Luxembourg, the HIV Counselling Centre, which has been around for 35 years, seized the occasion of World AIDS Day to underscore the importance of addressing the psychological aspects of living with the virus - as well as the necessity of providing comprehensive follow-up care.
Laurence Mortier from the HIV Counselling Centre emphasises that while living with HIV has become more manageable over the past four decades, a diagnosis still significantly changes the lives of those affected. “The person has to live with HIV, undergo regular analyses, and adhere to a consistent treatment regimen. I always say that you have to learn to live with HIV,” Mortier explains.
HIV is a diagnosis that often prompts a myriad of questions and fears:
“What do I do? Who do I tell? Can I confide in anyone? How will others react? These questions can lead to isolation,” Mortier notes.
To address this, the HIV Counselling Centre offers psychological support through specialised professionals well-versed in the nuances of living with the virus. While advancements in prevention and treatment have introduced positive strides, Mortier acknowledges a concerning trend:
“Perhaps this progress has unintentionally dulled people’s sensitivity, as evidenced by over 60 new infections in 2022.”
Mortier stresses that the emphasis is not on scaring people, but rather on the urgent need for continual awareness and sensibility.
