The global campaign against AIDS has demonstrated international solidarity in combating the HIV epidemic for over 30 years. In accordance with the decision of the World Health Organization (WHO) and the UN General Assembly, December 1st was proclaimed World AIDS Day in 1988. Over the years, this day has become a significant date in many countries worldwide, highlighting the relevance of the issue at the present stage and achievements in HIV prevention and treatment.
The global campaign against AIDS
has demonstrated international solidarity in combating the HIV epidemic
for over 30 years. In accordance with the decision of the World Health
Organization (WHO) and the UN General Assembly, December 1st was proclaimed World AIDS Day in 1988. Over the years, this day has become a significant date in many countries worldwide, highlighting the relevance of the issue at the present stage and achievements in HIV prevention and treatment.
The problem of HIV
infection spread remains one of the medical and social global challenges faced by all states without exception. Inequality in access to tests, medicines, new technologies, and scientific data persists in some countries in Africa and Asia. According to statistics, the rates of HIV infection spread remain quite high in some countries, partly due to the population's lack of awareness about transmission methods and an incorrect assessment of personal risks. Insufficient information about the disease and its prevention measures generates a vast number of myths and unfounded fears, and people living with HIV are subjected to social stigmatisation. It is important to remember that HIV is not transmitted through casual contact or airborne droplets.
According to global WHO statistics, over
39 million people worldwide are infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Over the years of the epidemic, more than 40 million people have died from HIV-related illnesses.
In the Republic of Belarus, over 24 thousand people live with a diagnosis of "HIV infection". In the last 5 years, about 2 thousand new cases of HIV infection have been registered annually in the country. The largest number of new cases is registered among men and women aged from 30 to 49 years. The sexual route of HIV transmission predominates, accounting for over 80% of all registered cases.
In the Vitebsk region, as of 01.11.2023, 1426 people live with a diagnosis of "HIV infection".
The highest number of new cases among the region's residents is registered in the age group of 30 to 49 years. The sexual route of HIV transmission accounts for 84.4% of all registered cases.
To date, universal access to antiretroviral therapy for patients with HIV infection has been ensured in our country, which has increased the life expectancy and improved the quality of life for people living with HIV. In addition to its therapeutic properties, antiretroviral therapy also has a preventive effect: patients who maintain an undetectable viral load do not transmit HIV to their sexual partners.
The Republic of Belarus consistently pursues an active policy to counteract the spread of HIV/AIDS. As part of the national response to the spread of HIV infection, the State Programme "People's Health and Demographic Security" is being implemented, which defines measures, including those to engage all people living with HIV, including key populations most vulnerable to HIV infection, in treatment programmes. To reduce the spread of HIV in high-risk groups in Belarus, special preventive programmes with proven effectiveness are being implemented: opioid substitution therapy, needle and syringe exchange programmes, HIV counselling and testing, and social support for inclusion in HIV medical care. Preventive programmes are implemented on the basis of state healthcare organisations and non-governmental non-profit HIV service organisations. Based on an understanding of the urgency of pressing issues, people affected by the HIV epidemic and belonging to high-risk groups represent their interests in the public health system, strengthen trust, and introduce innovations. Communities lead the World AIDS Day globally, organising events and making reasoned calls to meet their vital interests. Through photos and videos that groups will share on social media, it will be possible to get an idea of the kaleidoscope of events taking place, be inspired by determination and hope, and hear specific calls to action on the ground.
This year, World AIDS Day is held under the slogan "Leadership by communities". The slogan "Leadership by communities" will be heard not only on December 1st. In the run-up to World AIDS Day, in all regions of the Republic of Belarus
information and educational events (campaigns, flash mobs, talk shows,
exhibitions, contests) will be held, aimed at raising awareness of the problem
of HIV infection. Specialists from healthcare, education and other departments,
representatives of non-governmental
non-profit organizations and volunteers will take part in these events.
Thanks to the coordinated
work of state, international and non-governmental non-profit
organizations, a stable trend towards a decrease in the incidence of HIV infection,
as well as mortality from HIV-related causes, has been formed in the Republic of
Belarus. All organizations will be able to give an even greater impetus to
measures to combat HIV on a global scale.
