HIV and Stigma in the Ethiopian-Israeli Community: Facts, Myths and Access to Treatment

The Data in Israel

HIV prevalence in the Ethiopian-Israeli community: ~0.7% (vs. 0.1% nationally). Most infections occurred before aliyah — not in Israel. 90% of carriers in Israel receive treatment and reach undetectable viral load (= non-infectious).

Stigma — The Real Problem

Stigma causes avoidance of testing, non-disclosure to family/partners, delayed treatment, social isolation of carriers. HIV is not an "Ethiopian disease" — and cannot be transmitted by touch, shared food, pools or handshakes.

HIV with Treatment

A person on ARV therapy reaching undetectable status lives completely normally, is non-infectious even in intimate relationships (U=U), and has the same life expectancy as an HIV-negative person.

Free Anonymous Testing

HMOs offer free HIV testing — ask for "anonymous HIV test". AIDS Task Force: 03-6882666 (anonymous, Hebrew + Amharic).

📞 AIDS Task Force: 03-6882666 | Tene Briut: 03-5162060