On the eve of World AIDS Day, the Odessa Health Department held a briefing with the participation of NGOs.
A free confidential testing event for HIV and viral hepatitis was also organized at the Administrative Services Center for all interested staff and visitors.
The city government, healthcare facilities, and NGOs in Odessa are effectively collaborating to combat the spread of HIV and other socially significant diseases.
In 2017, the Odessa mayor signed the Paris Declaration, making Odessa part of the global Fast Track Cities initiative aimed at overcoming the HIV epidemic in major cities worldwide.
Since then, significant progress has been made in combating HIV through city-targeted programs. Notably, 98% of people living with HIV in Odessa are aware of their status, up from 50% prior to signing the Paris Declaration, due to extensive testing coverage across all city medical facilities.
Of those who are aware of their HIV-positive status, 96% are under medical supervision and receiving antiretroviral therapy, compared to 60% before the declaration was signed.
Multidisciplinary teams in all healthcare institutions assist individuals diagnosed with HIV to quickly access treatment and psychosocial support.
At the City Center for HIV Prevention and Treatment, patients receive modern antiretroviral therapy free of charge, with over 96% of these patients having an undetectable viral load in their blood.
Early diagnosis and adherence to prescribed antiretroviral therapy enable people living with HIV to lead healthy, fulfilling lives and have healthy children.
In addition, programs have been implemented in Odessa to support HIV-positive pregnant women and their newborns, including free lactation suppression medications and safe infant formula.
Moreover, Odessa has programs for substitution therapy, harm reduction for drug users, and psychosocial rehabilitation for those wishing to quit substance use.
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From November 25 to 29, free anonymous HIV testing will be available at healthcare facilities in Odessa.
Details and schedule of the event.
