Advocacy for Official Access to PrEP
The Movement started advocating for official access to PrEP in 2018.
2018
The AIDS Solidarity Movement, together with Accept LGBTI Cyprus, implemented the “PrEP in Cyprus” survey (2018), which was based on 'Flash! PrEP in Europe’ survey (2016). The project that was funded by ILGA Europe showcased the existing gaps in public health and HIV prevention in Cyprus. The Movement also participated in the “PrEP in Europe” Summit in Amsterdam, on 9-10 February, 2018.
2019
The AIDS Solidarity Movement, together with Accept LGBTI Cyprus, organised a local conference titled “PrEP in Cyprus” (2019), where the results of the 2018-survey were presented, together with community data from Cy Checkpoint. The results were presented by Prof Giorgos Nikolopoulos (University of Cyprus). Dr Ioannis Mameletzis, W.H.O. Europe PrEP expert, also presented the importance of PrEP to combat the increasing HIV transmission rates in the region, while Mr Sophocles Chanos, then representative of the Greek Association of People Living with HIV, Positive Voice Greece, presented the PrEP pilot programme that was running in Greece. The Conference was funded by the Republic of Cyprus Ministry of Health. The Movement also participated in the “PrEP in Europe” Summit in Warsaw, on 09-12 October, 2019.
2020-2023
The AIDS Solidarity Movement continued advocating for official access to PrEP in Cyprus, with participation in the Health Committee meeting of the House of Representatives (2019), and numerous other public appearances on local and international media, as well as community interventions and training sessions.
2024
The Republic of Cyprus National AIDS Committee, of which the AIDS Solidarity Movement is an active member since 2016, approved the proposed implementation plan for official access to PrEP in Cyprus. The proposal was sent to the Minister of Health in October 2024 and was approved as submitted.
2025
The AIDS Solidarity Movement launches the Cyprus PrEP Point, its Community Information and Empowerment Centre, run by the community for the community, aiming for effective information, support, and guidance for those who have chosen to take PrEP.
This initiative is implemented by the AIDS Solidarity Movement, without any external funding. However, its aims and goals are officially supported by the following local organisations and international networks:
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AIDS Action Europe, a network of more than 350 community organisation in Europe and Central Asia - https://www.aidsactioneurope.org
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EATG: European AIDS Treatment Group, a network of individuals living with HIV and/or working in the HIV field in Europe and Central Asia - https://www.eatg.org
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Accept LGBTI Cyprus - https://accept.cy
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Queer Collective Cy - https://lnk.bio/queercollectivecy
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Cyprus Family Planning Association - https://www.familyplanning.org.cy
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Cyprus Refugee Council - https://www.cyrefugeecouncil.org
The Ministry of Health announced the official access to PrEP in the Republic of Cyprus in October 2025.
The AIDS Solidarity Movement and ACCEPT LGBTI Cyprus issued a Press Release in response to the Ministry's announcement.
You can access it here:
