December 1 – World AIDS Day
This day has become one of the most important international days related to health issues and one of the key opportunities to raise awareness and celebrate achievements such as increased access to treatment and HIV prevention measures. The symbol of this day is a red ribbon, which signifies support, compassion, and hope for an AIDS-free future.
World AIDS Day is always dedicated to a specific theme. This year, the theme will be "End inequalities. End AIDS. End pandemics."
We are entering the third year of the COVID-19 pandemic and the fifth decade of the AIDS pandemic. The problem of HIV infection spread remains one of the most acute medical and social global challenges faced by all states without exception. According to the World Health Organization, the global number of people living with HIV in 2020 was 37.7 million people, and since the beginning of the epidemic, 36.3 million people have died from AIDS-related illnesses.
As of November 1, 2021, more than 23 thousand people living with HIV are registered in Belarus. Over the past decade, the largest number of new cases has been registered in the age group of 35-49 years, with sexual transmission being the predominant route of HIV transmission – accounting for over 80% of newly detected cases. In the Vitebsk region, as of November 1, there are 1321 people living with HIV, with sexual transmission accounting for 83.3%.
A system has been established in our country to ensure maximum accessibility to counseling and testing for HIV infection. Voluntary testing, including anonymous testing, can be done at any healthcare facility with a procedure room. Anonymous counseling centers operate on the basis of state healthcare organizations and non-governmental non-profit organizations, providing, among other services, counseling and testing for HIV infection for key populations. Opportunities have also been created not only to get tested at a healthcare facility but also to freely purchase a test kit at a pharmacy and perform the test at home as part of self-testing.
Belarus provides universal access for patients to antiretroviral therapy, meaning the state guarantees the provision of HIV infection treatment to all people living with HIV, regardless of the stage of the disease or immune status. Currently, 85% of people living with HIV in the republic receive antiretroviral therapy, thereby preserving their health, duration, and quality of life. In the Vitebsk region, this figure is 85.9%.
As part of the World AIDS Day, various informational and educational events will be held in the regions of the country. Join us on this World AIDS Day to raise awareness on HIV infection prevention, HIV testing, and the prevention of stigma and discrimination against people living with HIV.
State Institution "Vitebsk Regional Center for Hygiene, Epidemiology and Public Health"