December 1 – World AIDS Day

December 1 – World AIDS Day. This day has acquired the status of an annual event in most countries of the world and demonstrates international solidarity in the fight against the HIV/AIDS epidemic.

World AIDS Day is dedicated to a specific theme each year. This year, the theme will be "The Role of Communities".

World AIDS Day remains relevant, reminding us that raising awareness about HIV infection, and eradicating stigma and discrimination against people living with HIV, remains critically important.

According to statistics from the World Health Organization, there are over 37.9 million people living on the planet. In the last 30 years, about 32 million people have died from AIDS.

In the Republic of Belarus, over the past decade, the largest number of new cases has been registered in the age group over 35 years. The heterosexual route of HIV transmission predominates.

As of November 1, 2019, the following were registered in the republic:

more than 27.5 thousand cases of HIV infection;

more than 21.5 thousand people living with HIV.

In the Vitebsk region, as of November 1, 2019, 1522 cases of HIV infection were registered, the number of people living with HIV is 1179, the prevalence rate was 100.64 per 100,000 population (the republican rate is 230.48).

In terms of prevalence, the region ranks 6th among the regions of the republic.

For January-October 2019, 102 new cases of HIV infection were detected (for the same period in 2018 – 88).

In our country, a system has been created that ensures maximum accessibility to counseling and testing for HIV infection. Voluntary HIV testing, including anonymous testing, can be done in any medical facility with a procedure room. Also, anonymous counseling centers operate in the country on the basis of public non-profit organizations, providing counseling and testing services for HIV infection for the most vulnerable.

to HIV infection groups (injecting drug users, sex workers, men who have sex with men).

All HIV-positive patients in the Republic of Belarus under dispensary observation receive antiretroviral therapy medications free of charge. The number of such patients today is about 17,000 people, including 950 in the Vitebsk region. By starting treatment on time and following all doctor's instructions, people living with HIV can live a long and fulfilling life. The quality of life of HIV-positive people, thanks to these medications, is almost no different from the quality of life of people without HIV.

The efforts of the medical community, the education system, culture, and mass media should be aimed at educating the population on HIV prevention issues, with an emphasis on preserving the social value of the family and the birth of a healthy generation, respecting human rights, and preventing stigma and discrimination against people living with HIV infection. Respect for the rights of an individual, as a rule, requires observing certain boundaries and preventing the violation of the rights of another – a correct understanding of this condition eliminates many dissonances and disagreements in the area of rights observance. The formation of an adequate understanding of HIV infection based on reliable information about the routes of transmission, in particular, about the impossibility of HIV infection in everyday life, will contribute to reducing stigma against people living with HIV.

State, public, and international organizations have joined forces to conduct a campaign dedicated to HIV-related issues. Events are being held in all regions of the world that draw public attention to the current situation and promising directions in the field of HIV prevention. Public organizations involved in combating HIV infection are mobilizing efforts to support the communities in which they work and provide opportunities for people living with HIV to speak out on current and significant issues.

In anticipation of World AIDS Day, information and educational events are being held in all regions of the Republic of Belarus on the initiative of healthcare institutions with the support of non-governmental organizations, volunteers, and mass media: exhibitions, contests, competitions, open lessons, and live broadcasts. When organizing events, prioritizing youth education, special attention should be paid to the age group over 35 years old.

In our region, events will also be organized and held for the population (campaigns, talk shows, exhibitions, themed evenings, flash mobs, forum theaters, music marathons, etc.).

On 03.12.2019, a seminar "On the implementation of the new edition of the Information Strategy on HIV infection in the Republic of Belarus" will be held at the Luchosa Hotel from 12:45 to 17:00 with the participation of representatives of authorities, key population groups, media personalities, and healthcare specialists. Also on this day at 19:00, a creative evening by Svetlana Borovskaya, UNAIDS Goodwill Ambassador in Belarus, will take place. The creative evening and seminar are organized by UNAIDS, the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Belarus, the State Institution "Republican Center for Hygiene, Epidemiology and Public Health," and the State Institution "Vitebsk Regional Center for Hygiene, Epidemiology and Public Health."

Large-scale campaigns will also be held:

28.11.2019 – at the Orsha Culture Center – for youth "Know Your HIV Status" with express HIV testing;

28.11.2019 – "Dispel Doubts, Get Tested for HIV" – for employees of OJSC Naftan;

29.11.2019 – "HIV/AIDS Prevention" at OJSC Polotsk-Steklovolokno;

29.11.2019 – "It Concerns Everyone" at the Educational Institution "Vitebsk State Technological University."

Information days on HIV infection prevention will be held in organizations, institutions, and enterprises of all forms of ownership under the slogan "The Decisive Role of Communities."

Join us on this World