69th Community Care Boot (Amsterdam UMC, OLVG and GGD Amsterdam)
GGD Amsterdam, OLVG and Amsterdam UMC have worked together for decades on the health of the LGBTQIA+ community. During the AIDS epidemic we, together with the community, laid the foundation…
Description
GGD Amsterdam, OLVG and Amsterdam UMC have worked together for decades on the health of the LGBTQIA+ community. During the AIDS epidemic we, together with the community, laid the foundation for an inclusive and accessible approach. Today we work on sexual health, HIV and STI care, PrEP, gender care, mental support and research. We also provide specialised care for (queer) sex workers and trans people with a migration background. With our participation in WorldPride we celebrate visibility, connection and the strength of the community, and emphasise the importance of inclusive care for everyone.
For decades GGD Amsterdam, OLVG and Amsterdam UMC have joined forces to promote the health and well‑being of the LGBTQIA+ community in Amsterdam.
During the AIDS epidemic the GGD and Amsterdam hospitals played a crucial role in care, prevention, research and support. Together with the LGBTQIA+ community we developed a unique community approach that still underpins our work today.
This approach — focused on accessibility, inclusivity and collaboration — has not only saved lives, but also helped break down stigma and increase inclusion.
Our joint efforts focus on providing care for people for whom health, safety and inclusion are not a given. This includes:
- Sexual health care: Accessible HIV and STI services, including PrEP prevention, to prevent new infections and safeguard the community’s health.
- Gender care: Specialist multidisciplinary care for trans people, with extra attention for those with a migration background who often face barriers to mainstream care.
- Care for sex workers: Through the Amsterdam Center for Sex Workers (ACS) we provide specialist care to (queer) sex workers, a group that is often vulnerable to health risks.
- Mental support: Support for mental health challenges, such as stigma, discrimination and social exclusion.
Beyond care provision we play a leading role in scientific research. Our studies focus on HIV, STIs, sexual behaviour, stigma and cure. These investigations not only provide new insights but also help improve care and prevention locally and globally. By sharing this knowledge we strengthen the worldwide fight against HIV and AIDS.
As public healthcare institutions we have a social responsibility to be visible to the LGBTQIA+ community. Visibility is essential to break down stigma, share reliable information and show that inclusive care is accessible to everyone. Our participation in events like WorldPride is a powerful way to convey this message.
Although our focus is on Amsterdam and the surrounding area, our impact reaches further. Through international collaboration and knowledge‑sharing we contribute to the global fight against HIV and AIDS. At the same time we remain aware of the challenges faced worldwide, such as stigma, discrimination and limited access to care. These obstacles can only be overcome through solidarity and cooperation across borders.
As GGD Amsterdam, OLVG and Amsterdam UMC we stand together to communicate our message of inclusive care, solidarity and visibility. Together we stand shoulder to shoulder with the LGBTQIA+ community. With our joint commitment we show that we are ‘united’ in the fight against stigma, inequality and health challenges. Only by working together can we build a future where everyone is safe, healthy and included.
