Category: Stigma

International Day of Persons with Disabilities — 3 December

A day of awareness, commitment, and action

The International Disability Day, also known as the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (3 December), established by the United Nations in 1992, serves as an annual reminder of the need for full inclusion, equality, and respect for the rights of persons with disabilities across all aspects of social life. Moreover, today, more than ever, promoting accessibility and inclusion is not optional — it is an obligation.

According to the World Health Organization (2024), approximately 1.3 billion people — 16% of the global population — live with some form of disability. Disability is part of human diversity, and the lived experience of it highlights the systemic inequalities that continue to exist in many countries, including Greece. As a result, the need for stronger inclusion policies becomes increasingly evident.

These global figures highlight why International Disability Day remains a vital call to action worldwide.

Challenges and inequalities in Greece

In Greece, persons with disabilities still face significant barriers in their daily lives: inadequate accessibility in public spaces and services, difficulties in mobility, limited access to employment, and persistent social stigma that deeply affects their quality of life. National data confirm that these inequalities have direct consequences on health, education, and participation in social and economic life.

At the same time, improving accessibility is not only about removing barriers — it is about shaping a society that recognizes the real needs of its people. Therefore, from training professionals and changing attitudes, to ensuring universal access to healthcare and psychosocial support, inclusion requires sustained commitment. Only then can we guarantee that every citizen has equal opportunities, dignity, and participation.

Kapa3’s perspective: A world where every voice is heard

At the Cancer Patient Guidance Centre – Kapa3, we support individuals facing serious health challenges every day. We understand how essential the following are:

  • clear and accessible information
  •  timely support
  •  respect
  •  care without exclusions

Learn more about the rights of Persons with Disabilities in the following publications on our website here.

Find information about issuing a disability card here, and about free or reduced public transportation fares here.

The International Day of Persons with Disabilities reminds us that every action and every policy must be built on the principle of inclusion.
No one should be left behind.

Building more inclusive societies: From vision to practice

Creating a truly accessible environment requires:

  • Accessible cities and public services
  •  Training for professionals in health, social care, and customer service
  •  Accessible digital technologies
  •  Employment policies that enable active participation
  •  Awareness-raising and dialogue to combat stigma

Inclusion is not an act of “good will” — it is a prerequisite for social progress.

At the same time, the transition to a genuinely inclusive society is not instantaneous. It requires coordinated efforts from the State, civil society, and persons with disabilities themselves. Continuous evaluation, transparency, and meaningful participation are the foundations of lasting change.

Access is a right.
Every person deserves respect and equal opportunities.

Text/Adaptation: Ifiyenia Anastasiou for Kapa3

Sources

 

World AIDS Day — December 1

World AIDS Day is a powerful reminder that the fight against HIV/AIDS is far from over. Despite remarkable progress in recent decades, millions of people worldwide are still living with the virus. At the same time, inequalities in access to prevention, diagnosis and treatment continue to cost lives.

Established in 1988 as the first international health-related awareness day, World AIDS Day has since served as a global call for informed action, early diagnosis, destigmatization and equitable care.

What We Know Today About HIV/AIDS

According to recent UNAIDS data, more than 39 million people are living with HIV globally — and thanks to modern treatments, they can live full and healthy lives.

The science is encouraging. Antiretroviral therapy (ART/ARVs) allows people on treatment to reach undetectable viral loads, which means they cannot transmit the virus (“Undetectable = Untransmittable”).

Yet despite this progress, new infections still occur — mainly in communities facing social exclusion, economic hardship, or limited access to healthcare services. At the same time, lack of information and persistent stigma remain major barriers that delay testing and treatment.

HIV & Cancer: An Important Connection

The link between HIV and several forms of cancer isn’t widely known, yet it is significant:

  • People living with HIV have a higher risk of cervical cancer due to the more persistent presence of HPV.
  • Increased risk is also observed for non-Hodgkin lymphoma, Kaposi sarcoma and several cancers associated with chronic viral infections.
  • Early diagnosis, continuous treatment and regular screening significantly reduce these risks.

At Kapa3, we have published articles on the importance of screening and patient empowerment, which you can find here: Article1, Article2, Article3, Article4, Article5.

The Situation in Greece

Greece has made important progress in recent years, thanks to the operation of Checkpoints, the support of NGOs and prevention structures, the spread of PrEP, and improved access to treatment.

In 2024, Greece recorded a small decrease (4%) in new HIV diagnoses compared to 2023, according to the Hellenic National Public Health Organization (EODY). However, underdiagnosis remains a real concern. Many people avoid timely testing due to stigma and fear of discrimination.

Prevention: What Each of Us Can Do

  • Testing: a simple test can save lives.
  • Condom use & comprehensive sexual education.
  • PrEP & PEP: modern and effective prevention tools.
  • Eliminating stigma: information and open dialogue remain our strongest forms of protection.
  • Supporting facilities that provide access to prevention, diagnosis and treatment.
A Human Rights Issue

At Kapa3, we believe World AIDS Day concerns all of us. Access to healthcare is a fundamental right. No one should be afraid to get tested, speak openly or seek support.

According to International Human Rights Law, discrimination based on HIV status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, health status (including substance use), or sex work constitutes a violation of human rights.

World AIDS Day reminds us that knowledge, prevention and solidarity save lives — and that a world without new HIV infections is possible.

Sources

  • UNAIDS
  • HIV.gov
  • AIDS Healthcare Foundation
  • EODY (Hellenic National Public Health Organization)

Text/Adaptation: Ifiyenia Anastasiou for Kapa3

International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women – 25 November

November 25 is recognized as the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, a day that reminds us that gender-based violence remains a serious and persistent social problem. The purpose of this day is to raise awareness, promote prevention, support survivors, and foster a society where equality and respect are fundamental values.

According to the latest UN data, approximately one in three women worldwide has experienced physical or sexual violence in her lifetime. In Greece, official statistics indicate that a significant proportion of women have experienced domestic violence, and reports remain high. Economic crises and the pandemic have further increased social pressures, contributing to a rise in incidents.

Violence against women is not limited to physical or sexual abuse. It also includes psychological, economic, and social forms of violence, which are often invisible but leave deep and long-lasting effects on women’s health, self-esteem, and daily lives. Prevention, early recognition, and systematic support for survivors are critical.

Gender-based violence does not discriminate. It affects women of all ages and social groups, including trans women, who often face additional barriers in accessing safety, care, and support.

Research shows a bidirectional link between violence against women and cancer. Violence can increase cancer risk through chronic stress, unhealthy behaviors, or delays in preventive screenings. At the same time, a cancer diagnosis can make a woman more vulnerable to abuse, as she may rely on the perpetrator for daily needs, transportation, medication, or financial support. In some cases, the disease itself can be used as a tool for psychological pressure or control.

No woman should live in fear. It is essential for every woman to know that she is not at fault and does not need to face violence alone. Help is available — from support lines, shelters, and specialized centers, to people in her close environment who can offer guidance. If we perceive that a woman around us is at risk, we have a responsibility to speak up, stand by her, and encourage her to seek help. Silence perpetuates the cycle of violence; our voice can break it.

If you or a woman nearby needs immediate help, SOS Line 15900 operates 24/7 with trained professionals and can guide you to urgent services or safe shelters. For immediate intervention, call 100 (or send an SMS with your name, address, and brief description). Additionally, Counseling Centers and Shelters across Greece offer free psychosocial and legal support.

At Kapa3, we deeply believe that every woman deserves to feel safe, respected, and empowered. We support prevention, awareness, and empowerment initiatives, encouraging every woman to take the first step toward protection. Change begins when no one is left alone. Every conversation, every act of solidarity, contributes to building a society free from violence.

The International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women reminds us that change requires awareness, education, and collective action. Violence is not a private matter — it is a social issue that needs everyone’s involvement, so that no woman fears seeking help.

Sources:

United Nations

European Institute for Gender Equality – Violence Against Women

World Health Organization

Violence against women increases cancer diagnoses: Results from a meta-analytic review

Text/Adaptation: Ifiyenia Anastasiou for Kapa3