Enhancing Access to Medical Services in the Fight Against HIV and Tuberculosis in Odesa
Ahead of World AIDS Day, celebrated on December 1, a significant meeting took place in Odesa involving representatives from medical and non-governmental organizations.
Despite the ongoing full-scale war, Odesa continues to ensure stability in the provision of medical services related to the fight against HIV and tuberculosis.
HIV testing is offered free of charge at all city hospitals, primary health care centers, maternity wards, and women’s clinics, as well as at the 'Trust' centers. Rapid tests can determine HIV status in just 10-15 minutes.
Patients with positive test results are referred to the City AIDS Center for further examination and treatment. High-quality antiretroviral therapy is provided free of charge, enabling individuals with HIV to lead full lives without posing a risk to their partners.
In the first ten months of 2025, 34,792 individuals underwent HIV testing in Odesa, leading to the identification of 301 new positive cases. Out of the total tests, 19,140 patients were examined by primary care physicians.
Tuberculosis screening is conducted by family doctors through questionnaires. This year, 702 cases of suspected tuberculosis were identified, and among those, 542 were confirmed to have lung tuberculosis, including 331 active cases.
Meeting participants discussed ways to enhance cooperation between medical institutions and NGOs for more effective referrals of patients with positive HIV tests to specialists.
Additionally, the staff of the City AIDS Center conducted free anonymous testing for HIV and viral hepatitis for all interested employees and visitors at the Administrative Services Center.
