World AIDS Day, observed on December 1st, is dedicated to a specific theme each year.
World AIDS Day, observed on December 1st, is dedicated to a specific theme each year. This year, the theme is "International Solidarity, Shared Responsibility". Despite the current focus on the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on people's lives and well-being, World AIDS Day remains relevant, reminding us that raising awareness about HIV infection continues to be critically important.
COVID-19 has clearly demonstrated that during any pandemic, the safety of all depends on the safety of each individual. To achieve success, it is necessary to provide assistance to everyone in need. Eradicating stigma and discrimination, and applying approaches based on human rights and gender equality are the main conditions for ending the HIV and COVID-19 pandemics worldwide.
In the Republic of Belarus, over the past decade, the largest number of new HIV infections has been registered among people aged 35 and older. The heterosexual route of transmission prevails. As of November 1st, over 30,000 cases of HIV infection have been registered in the republic since the beginning of monitoring; over 23,000 people are living with it.
In the Vitebsk region, according to the HIV/AIDS Prevention Department of the Regional Center for Hygiene, Epidemiology and Public Health, there are 1620 cases of HIV infection registered as of this date, with 1253 people living with the virus in its territory. The prevalence rate is 107.38 per 100,000 population (nationwide – 240.85 per 100,000). In January-October 2020, 66 new cases of HIV infection were detected in the Vitebsk region (compared to 102 in October last year).
-- A system has been established in our country to ensure maximum accessibility to HIV counselling and testing, -- said Valentina Ananyeva, Head of Department. -- Voluntary testing by blood analysis, including anonymous testing, can be carried out in any healthcare facility with a procedure room. In addition, anonymous counselling centres operate in Belarus based on non-profit public organisations, providing HIV counselling and testing services for the most vulnerable population groups (people who inject drugs, women involved in sex work, 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. Today, there are almost 19,000 such individuals, including 1,023 in the Vitebsk region.
By starting treatment in a timely manner and following all doctor's instructions, people living with HIV can live long and fulfilling lives. The quality of life for HIV-positive individuals, thanks to these medications, is almost indistinguishable from that of people without the infection.
Currently, the efforts of the medical community, the education system, culture, and mass media should be directed towards educating the public 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.
On the eve of World AIDS Day, information and educational events are being held in our region, as well as throughout the country: exhibitions, competitions, and live broadcasts. Priority is given to educating youth, with special attention also paid to the age group over 35.