Many people with HIV face discrimination
|
Rising numbers of people with HIV are living in extreme poverty in the UK, according to a report by the National Aids Trust and Crusaid charities.
It found evidence of hate crime and discrimination against people with HIV, which was driving some into poverty and isolation.
The study, launched to mark World Aids Day on Friday, also blamed government policies on asylum for causing poverty.
The government said adequate levels of support were being provided.
The report said since Crusaid was established in 1986, one in three people diagnosed with HIV had turned to the Crusaid Hardship Fund for support.
Applications from those in the most extreme poverty had risen by 33% in the past four years - a significant number of whom were asylum seekers - it said.
In 2005, the average income of applicants to the Hardship Fund fell to �60 per week, while the number of applications for basic needs such as food and clothing has risen.
The report also said restrictions on asylum seekers' rights to work and benefits were fuelling the problem.
It said many HIV positive asylum seekers were living in substandard housing and were unable to afford basic food and clothing.
Deborah Jack, chief executive of the National Aids Trust, said: "It's shocking that one in three of all people diagnosed with HIV in the UK have experienced real poverty.
"Much of this poverty arises from government policy decisions and from continuing discrimination in society.
"Urgent action is needed to end the unjust burden of poverty on so many people living with HIV - our report sets out a clear agenda to make this happen."
The report calls for:
- The government and police to address HIV-related hate crime and enforce policies on HIV-related domestic violence.
- Public sector bodies to introduce HIV awareness training and act as champions to encourage the private sector to break down barriers to employment for people living with HIV.
- Local authorities to prioritise the housing and social care needs of people living with HIV, particularly those with poor health.
- Subsistence for asylum seekers to be increased to a level that is equivalent to income support and permission granted for them to work after six months.
A Home Office spokesperson said encouraging asylum seekers to work could result in applications for asylum from people with no real fear of persecution.
He said support was available for asylum seekers awaiting a decision on their claim, including adequate accommodation and cash to meet essential living needs.
"The levels of support payable to adults reflect the temporary nature of support to an asylum seeker and that supported asylum seekers do not pay utility bills," he said.
A Department of Health spokesman said tackling the rise in HIV was a key priority for the government, which was investing record amounts in this area.
Alice's story
Alice suffers from chronic asthma, pains in her legs and feet and chronic weight loss relating to being HIV positive.
The property she lives in is in very poor repair - it has been invaded by mice, is so damp that there is black mould growing on the walls and she has to climb 40 steps to reach her room.
She has been on a re-housing list for five years.
She said: "When you are chronically ill, society assumes you have nothing left to offer and thinks it's OK to leave you on the scrap heap."
One-Minute World News
News services
E-mail this to a friend
Printable version
Much of this poverty arises from government policy decisions and from continuing discrimination in society
