The Hellenic Association of Pharmaceutical Companies (SFEE) has completed forty years of active presence in the healthcare sector. Forty years, when scientific innovation was decisive, the development of medical technology was rapidly advancing, and the person has always been in the center of attention. SFEE has proven to be the government’s most trusted partner in public health and early disease management. All these years, he has been the driving force behind the development of the national economy by creating jobs and increasing productivity, contributes to the sustainability of the healthcare system, invests in research, development and innovation, offers society and vulnerable social groups. But most importantly, with respect for the individual and with a focus on the real needs of the Greek citizens, adhering to a patient-centered policy, he accompanied Greek patients every day, became their faithful ally, shared difficult battles with them and provided solutions to problems that until now seemed (and were) unsolvable.

In 1982, the year SFEE was founded, there was a severe untreated disease that mainly affected young people and was associated as little as possible with fear of human contact, pain and deterioration, prejudice and stigmatization. The disease, which today is not only treated, but also with the help of appropriate medications, allows patients not to lose the quality of life. The testimony of Mr. Ilias Mirsinias, a member of the HIV-positive association of Greece “Positive Voice”, infected with the HIV virus, is crucial for understanding the contribution of Greek medicine to the lives of patients. “One of the greatest achievements of innovative drugs against the HIV virus is the application of antiretroviral treatment at the global level,” says Mr. Ilias Mirsinias. “Forty years ago, people were dying from HIV/AIDS. Currently, there are modern treatments that can save lives. Treatment that can give a person living with HIV a normal life. A patient can have a life expectancy equal to a person who is not living with HIV,” says Mr. Mirsinias, who has seen all the hesitations and victories of recent years in the fight against the disease on his personal path.

By constantly investing in research, using innovative strategies, extroverted politics and trust in people working in healthcare, SFEE has never left Greek patients alone. Not during the years of severe insecurity due to HIV/AIDS, and not today. “Personally, I started taking a three-pill shake because my body needed to return to a more normal state,” says Mr Mircinias, who has been living with the virus for six years. “Now you can take one medicine, in particular one tablet, a day and thus lead a normal life. The only thing that can affect, unfortunately, even today is the stigma. But at least science, with new developments in the field of drugs, has certainly revolutionized. It is very important to know that HIV is currently a chronic, manageable disease,” says Mr Mirsinias. With a focus on prevention and early diagnosis, with easy access to new innovative medicines and technologies that can change the outcome of a disease, reduce mortality, prevent hospitalization or improve people’s quality of life, SFEE will always focus on the patient, fighting against daily battles for their health, longevity and quality of life.