Future of Aidshilfe Neumünster in danger: City must act!

Future of Aidshilfe Neumünster in danger: City must act!

With the upcoming World AIDS Day on December 1, 2025, Aidshilfe Neumünster is facing an existential challenge. Angela Stelling, the organization's chairwoman, warns urgently that her organization could no longer exist in 2027 if the city doesn't change its mind. The ongoing applications for AIDS assistance have been rejected in the town hall, and without the necessary financial support there is a risk of closure.

In order to keep the advice center alive, the city of Neumünster has to provide 38,000 euros - an essential share of the total funding of around 115,000 euros per year. The state of Schleswig-Holstein covers two thirds of this funding, but only if the city does its part. Olaf Tauras, State Secretary in the Kiel Ministry of Health, expressed optimism about the support of the four AIDS advice centers in Schleswig-Holstein, but the future remains uncertain.

Urgent financial support needed

Despite the support of Dr. Hans Hoch Foundation, which will step in in 2025 and 2026, this is not a permanent solution. Stelling is concerned about the impact of this uncertainty on the services that are essential to the education and well-being of those affected. The advice center has already had contact with around 50 HIV-positive people this year, although the number of unreported cases is estimated to be significantly higher. In Schleswig-Holstein, it is estimated that around 1,200 people are living with the HIV virus, and around 50 new cases were registered last year, mostly men.

Aidshilfe Neumünster carries out tests for HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases such as hepatitis C, chlamydia and syphilis. These tests are anonymous and usually charge a fee. Anna Struve, an employee of the organization, emphasizes the importance of education, because the safest protection against infection is to avoid unprotected sex. Unfortunately, prostitutes repeatedly report the pressure not to use condoms, which increases the risk of infection.

Statistics illustrate the urgency

The urgency of the situation can also be seen in developments worldwide and in Germany. At the end of 2023, around 96,700 people were living with HIV in Germany, 87,200 of whom were taking medication. Nevertheless, around 2,200 people were newly infected with the virus in 2023. What is particularly alarming is the number of people who find out about their infection too late, such as the 1,200 people who were only diagnosed after becoming seriously ill.

At the global level, around 39.9 million people were living with HIV in 2023, with 5.4 million unaware of their infection. These numbers underline the need for education and prevention work, such as that offered by Aidshilfe Neumünster.

It is clear that Aidshilfe Neumünster makes a decisive contribution to combating the HIV epidemic and supporting those affected. However, without the necessary financial support from the city, it will be difficult to continue to do this valuable work.

Time is of the essence, and while the city administration considers the necessary funding, the voices of those who rely on AIDS assistance must become louder. After all, the well-being of the community and the prevention of HIV is everyone's top priority.

For further information on this important topic and to support Aidshilfe Neumünster, you can read the reporting on kn-online.de, Read mzwallace.com and aidshilfe.de.