Shock Report: Half of New HIV Infections in Greece Are Self-Inflicted for Gov't Benefits

The HIV rate in Greece increased significantly between 2009 and 2011, with about half of new infections being self-inflicted by people looking to become eligible for approximately $950 in monthly benefits, according to a recent World Health Organization report.

Similarly, the report, which was released earlier this year, states homicide and theft rates doubled, heroin use increased “significantly” and suicide rates went up among Greeks reporting “economic distress.”

Prostitution also increased, most likely in response to the country’s economic instability.

And just how bad is the country's economic situation? Greek unemployment currently sits at about 27.3 percent, public debt as a percentage of gross domestic product is a whopping 161.3 percent and its economy has contracted four times since 2009.

Image source: tradingeconomics.com

Sure, U.S. stocks continue their meteoric ascent and many pundits say the U.S. economy is "poised to accelerate," but things are clearly far from OK in Greece. And until this is resolved, the small country with its many debts will continue to weigh heavily on the eurozone, which in turn will weigh on the world economy.

(H/T: Zero Hedge)

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