In Cyprus the WHO World Health Report (2003) indicates an adult mortality⁴³ rate per 1000 population of 102 for males and 48 for females (crude death rate 12.66/1000 and life expectancy at birth (total population) 77.46 years)⁴⁴ (see Table 6).

Life expectancy for males is 75.5; for females 79.1. Healthy life expectancy is 66.7 for males; 68.5 for females.⁴⁵

There are an estimated 1,997 new cases of cancer and 1,263 cancer deaths each year in Cyprus.⁴⁶ The most common cancer in women is breast cancer, and in men lung cancer.⁴⁷

There is a low incidence of HIV/AIDS in Cyprus. As of May 2003, the rate was estimated at < 0.1% incidence in the population. Cyprus has reported no HIV/AIDS deaths.

Table 6: Country death rates and life expectancy at birth (total population)*

*estimate 2004

In 2004 UNAIDS reports:⁴⁸

Since the start of the epidemic and as of May 2003, 400 persons have been diagnosed with HIV. Annual incidence of new HIV cases has been relatively low and stable, with small peaks in 1994 and 1999. Recent increases are thought to be related to cases in foreigners and Cypriots returning from abroad seeking treatment.

Of 330 HIV cases reported between 1986 and the end of June 2000, 140 (42%) were among foreigners. The majority of these were tested in order to obtain residency, work or study permits and left the country immediately after diagnosis.

Among 205 Cypriot HIV cases reported between 1986 and the end of June 2000, 177 were men (86%) and 28 women (14%). Of these, the majority of cases were homo/bi-sexual (45%) or heterosexual (44%). A further 4% were infected through blood and blood products and 2% through injection drug use. 80% of cases were aged 20-40 years with a mean age at diagnosis of 33.3 years (31.8 years for HIV and 36.5 years for AIDS).

In 1999 and 2000 HIV prevalence rates of 0.4% and 0.8% were reported among clients of voluntary counselling and testing.

Data reported from drug treatment centres indicate that 2.7% of drug users presenting for treatment in 2001 were HIV positive.⁴⁹