DWN INTERNATIONAL NEWS: A growing number of Greek residents have injected themselves with HIV so they can claim about $950 in monthly health benefits, according to a report commissioned by the World Health Organisation . The report , Review of social determinants and the health divide in the WHO European Region , found about half of new HIV infections in Greece were self -inflicted , as the population continues to grapple with a deeply troubled economy. The country s suicide rate has also skyrocketed , while healthcare access has declined. These adverse trends in Greece pose a warning to other countries undergoing significant fiscal austerity , including Spain , Ireland and Italy , the report noted . It also suggests that ways need to be found for cash -strapped governments to consolidate finances without undermining much - needed investments in health . Despite severe austerity measures, which have prompted massive protests in Greece , the country s economy has continued to decline, with unemployment soaring to 27 percent . Homicide and theft rates have correspondingly doubled , growing alongside the disturbing trend of self - inflicted HIV infections, the WHO report noted . HIV rates and heroin use have risen significantly , with about half of new HIV infections being self -inflicted to enable people to receive benefits .. . and faster admission on to drug-substitution programmes, the report stated. Prostitution has also risen, probably as a response to economic hardship . Health-care gaps. The study also found that suicides rose by 17 % in a two - year period ending in 2009 , with the Health Ministry citing a further 40% rise in the first half of 2011. In the meantime, Greeks have had poorer access to healthcare as hospital budgets have been slashed . WHO commissioned the report to review inequities among countries in the European Region and recommend policies to bridge the gaps.
Posted on: Wed, 27 Nov 2013 22:31:50 +0000
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