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HIV centres closing across Britain
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HIV centres are closing down across Britain as a result of improving drug treatments
"Professionals in the care industry say that these kind of drop-in services are no longer in such high demand."
Medication for the treatment of HIV and Aids is improving every day, and professionals in the care industry say that these kind of drop-in services are no longer in such high demand.
But the closure of these facilities leaves a void in the lives of those dealing with the disease. Regular visitors to the drop-in centres credit the staff with providing both practical and emotional support, during a time where no-one else can help.
One such person is Maria, who has visited the Open Door centre in Brighton for almost a decade. She said:
"Just because we have drugs now, it doesn't mean we're not suffering. Sometimes I just need a hug."
Open Door is funded by the NHS and Brighton City Council, and it scheduled to close this Autumn. Despite petitions and letters to local HIV commissioners and MPs, it appears that the centre will close as planned and is just one of many across the country.
Reverend Barry North, from the Diocese of Chichester, said:
"The decision to close is very regrettable, but the demand for services has changed, as the nature of living with HIV has also changed.
"Open Door tried to respond to this challenge over recent years, but it was increasingly clear that the current set-up was not suitable twenty years on."
Improved medication means that HIV is now treated as a chronic not terminal condition. One recent study discovered that the ever improving treatments available can increase life expectancy by 13 years.
But despite these statistics cases of HIV are still on the increase in certain areas of the country including Brighton. Maria said of the Open Door closure:
"With the statistics showing HIV infection increasing in Brighton, it seems crazy to close it down… We've written letters of protest but nothing has changed. It's as if the church has closed its doors on us without providing much alternative. It's a sad end to a great service."
