December 1st is marked in the calendars of many countries as HIV Prevention Day.

The history of this day dates back to 1988, when, at the initiative of the World Health Organization (WHO), this date was chosen to draw the attention of the global community to the problem of the spread of a new disease, which was first widely discussed in the early 1980s. Over the 40-year history of the epidemic's development, much has changed: from ignorance and fear of the unknown disease, the world has moved towards the possibility of treatment that reduces the amount of virus in the blood to a level undetectable by tests and untransmittable to other people.

Today, HIV infection has transitioned from a deadly disease to a chronic condition. In Belarus, over 25.5 thousand people live with HIV-positive status (as of November 2025), of whom more than 22 thousand are receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART), thereby preserving their health, life expectancy, and quality of life. The largest number of new cases are registered among men and women aged 30 to 49 years, with sexual transmission being the predominant route of HIV transmission, accounting for over 80% of all registered cases. It is important to remember that HIV infection is not transmitted through casual contact.

Throughout the observation period in the Vitebsk region, 2125 cases of HIV infection have been registered; 1529 people are living with HIV. For the first 9 months of 2025, 73 new cases of HIV infection wereThe international symbol – a red ribbon loop – symbolises solidarity with those directly affected by this issue. World AIDS Day continues to remind us that the disease can affect anyone. Reliable information on HIV infection remains relevant, as does raising awareness of modern medicine's achievements and related changes in prevention, and eradicating stigma and discrimination in all its forms.

Within the framework of World AIDS Day, informational and educational events are organised in institutions and organisations.

 Taking into account the epidemiological situation, significant attention will be paid to preventive measures among the working population.

Join us on this World AIDS Day. The events held will once again draw attention to the seriousness of this problem, convey information on HIV prevention to the public, and motivate safe and responsible behaviour and health preservation.

State Institution "Lepel District

 Centre for Hygiene and Epidemiology"