New Initiatives in the Fight Against HIV in Odessa
On the eve of World AIDS Day, a briefing was held with participation from public organizations, organized by the Odessa Department of Health.
An event for free HIV and viral hepatitis testing was conducted at the Administrative Services Center for all interested visitors and staff of the administrative building.
The city authorities of Odessa, healthcare institutions, and NGOs are actively consolidating efforts to combat the spread of HIV and other socially significant diseases.
In 2017, Odessa Mayor Gennady Trukhanov signed the Paris Declaration, allowing the city to join the global Fast Track Cities initiative aimed at eradicating the HIV epidemic in major cities worldwide.
Since signing the declaration, significant achievements have been made: 98% of people living with HIV are aware of their status, compared to just 50% before the declaration. This has been possible due to extensive HIV testing coverage across all medical institutions in the city.
Among those aware of their HIV-positive status, 96% are under medical supervision and receive antiretroviral therapy (up from 60% before the declaration).
Multidisciplinary teams operate in all medical facilities in the city, involving healthcare providers and social workers to assist individuals diagnosed with HIV in accessing treatment and psychosocial support as quickly as possible.
At the City Center for HIV/AIDS Prevention and Treatment, patients receive modern antiretroviral therapy free of charge. The effectiveness of the treatment is evidenced by the fact that over 96% of these patients show no detectable virus in their blood (up from 86% prior to the declaration).
Early HIV diagnosis and adherence to prescribed antiretroviral therapy enable individuals living with HIV to lead full and healthy lives and have healthy children.
Additionally, programs have been introduced in Odessa to support HIV-positive pregnant women and their children, including free medications to suppress lactation and milk formulas for safe artificial feeding of infants.
Furthermore, Odessa has programs for substitution therapy, harm reduction for drug users, and psychosocial rehabilitation for those who have chosen to abstain from psychoactive substances.
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From November 25 to 29, free anonymous HIV testing will be available at medical institutions in Odessa for all interested individuals.
Details of the event.
