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HIV-Positive British Tourist Kicked Out Of Cyprus Hotel After Medical Centre Warned Them Of His Condition

Cyprus Hotel 'Burned Bedsheets Of HIV-Positive British Tourist'
Sophie Brown
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A man has reportedly been kicked out of his Cyprus hotel after the management were tipped off that he was HIV-positive by a medical centre.

The unidentified British holidaymaker's fell over after becoming dizzy, and suffered a minor injury. His tour operator arranged for him to be seen in a private clinic, where he alerted staff to his HIV-positive status and was treated.

His ordeal began when he returned to his Paphos hotel to be told that he was no longer welcome. The clinic had reportedly alerted hotel management to his condition, and advised them to burn the sheets and disinfect the room.

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Paphos, the Cypriot island where the holidaymaker was kicked out of his hotel

The tourist was then rejected from other hotels as news of his condition spread around the island. During the move, he lost his medication and was without it for six days.

Stella Michaelidou, the head of the board of HIV and AIDS support centre KYFA, told the Daily Mail: "A doctor from the clinic called the hotel where the injured man was staying and informed them of his condition. This is a breach of medical confidentiality. It is strictly forbidden.

"I've been working at KYFA as a volunteer since 1994 and this is the first time I've come across such a thing," she added.

"It's like in the 80s before we knew what HIV was. It's ignorance and we have to solve this… You may [expect to] find this ignorance in an ordinary person, but in a doctor?"

She went on to say that Paphos' health ministry and the Cyprus Medical Association have launched investigations into the claims.

The island's commissioner for administration and human rights Eliza Savvidou said in a statement: "Unfortunately, the elements of the case reveal the deeply rooted, widespread and extremely persistent prejudices surrounding the issue of HIV/AIDS and are based on ignorance and lack of information, even by health professionals."

“Observing medical confidentiality and providing care without discrimination is a fundamental duty of every health professional and administrative staff members at healthcare providers, both public and private.

“Moreover, respect for human rights of HIV carriers is a basic obligation of the state as a whole.”

A Day with HIV 2014
9:30 AM: TEXAS(01 of15)
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Morénike Giwa Onaiwu: The course of my life changed forever when my family became affected by HIV in 2007. Rather than disclosing specifically who is positive in our family, we have chosen to identify as an HIV-affected family. We feel that it doesn’t matter if we publicly state exactly which one(s) of us are HIV-positive or HIV-negative because we’re all in this together. (credit:Morénike Giwa Onaiwu)
1:31 PM: NEW YORK CITY(02 of15)
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Jeffrey Newman: Always thankful. Always keeping the faith. (Taken at the exact time I was born 47 years ago this month.) (credit:Jeffrey Newman)
1:32 PM: ROME, ITALY(03 of15)
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Stephen J. Lewis (via Twitter): Supporting #HIV awareness on #adaywithhiv with a picture from the Gallery of Maps in the Vatican. (credit:Twitter)
2:30 PM: SAN DIEGO(04 of15)
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Mark Holmes: “There are few barriers folks with HIV can’t overcome. I have been living with HIV for 30 years. I am also deaf and require hearing aids. But I also go jetpack flying three times a month!” (credit:Mark Holmes)
2:51 PM: LONDON, ENGLAND(05 of15)
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Anthony Babajee: At Parliament Hill, one of the best views of London. (credit:Anthony Babajee)
3:30 PM: BROOKLYN, NEW YORK(06 of15)
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Ken Williams (left): “I work pretty hard to eradicate HIV stigma. I write, I blog, but there’s been nothing I’ve done in the war against stigma more effective than being present and living my experience openly. So, today, I got in the picture with my friend Charles Johnson.” (credit:Ken Williams)
5:38 PM: WASHINGTON, D.C.(07 of15)
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Noël Gordon (left): My colleague Marcos Garcia and I are committed to ending the HIV/AIDS epidemic. We represent the changing face of the epidemic and, as such, we think it is our responsibility to raise awareness of the needs of young gay and bisexual men of color wherever we go. (credit:Noël Gordon)
5:50 PM: WEST VIRGINIA(08 of15)
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Barbara Lagodna: At age 60, running keeps me healthy and fit! (credit:Barbara Lagodna)
6:20 PM: MARYLAND(09 of15)
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Jason Daisey: I was confirmed positive just one week ago. It was a scary week, but I won’t let it change my life for the worse. My center and balance point is being in the barn with my horses. I’m a professional guy, the kind that no one ever would think would get diagnosed with HIV. Now’s my time to use my uniqueness to educate other gay men about how real this really is. (credit:Jason Daisey)
6:20 PM: CHICAGO, ILLINOIS(10 of15)
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Andrew Espinosa: Fun on the trampoline with my nephews! Living with HIV since 1997 and blessed to be still here with them. (credit:Andrew Espinosa)
6:37 PM: TRINIDAD & TOBAGO, WEST INDIES(11 of15)
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Tyker Pionero: Photo of my mom and me about to dance. I have learned to cherish the little things after losing people I knew and loved to this virus, so when I get the opportunity to steal a dance with her, I do. Much love from Trinidad and Tobago. (credit:Tyker Pionero)
6:44 PM: HOLLAND(12 of15)
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Eliane Becks Nininahazwe: “I am an HIV-positive woman living in Holland, although I am originally from Burundi. I’ve been HIV-positive since 2003. I am also an artist and try to present a positive image. I openly talk about my HIV, so then people can understand that we are normal and can live normal lives like anyone else. Did I tell you that in 2006 I decided to have a kid? Now I’ve got two boys, both HIV-free! I am very proud of myself.” (credit:Eliane Becks Nininahazwe)
10:00 PM: CHICAGO, ILLINOIS(13 of15)
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Lauren Childers (left): “This photo was taken with my partner, Bryana Wilson, and my pet iguana, Jane. I rescued Jane (the iguana) from a tree and, as an exotic pet enthusiast, I decided to take her in. The inner healing I experienced bringing her back to health was an incredibly rewarding experience -- begging the question, ‘Who rescued who?’ ” (credit:Lauren Childers)
10:20 PM: THE BRONX, NEW YORK(14 of15)
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Susanna Feder: After a New York Yankees win over Boston. Out with a good friend and showing off my dress at the subway stop. You can see the lights of NYC and the Freedom Tower in the background. Being a part of life, not afraid to enjoy every minute. (credit:Susanna Feder)
10:30 PM: SANTA ROSA, CALIFORNIA(15 of15)
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Ayrick Broin: I was diagnosed with HIV in 1999 and AIDS in late 2000. None of the medications worked for me up until recently. Thanks to my wonderful doctor and his nursing team, I’m back on the stage in California’s wine country. Life is a Cabaret! (credit:Ayrick Broin)
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