From November 25 to 29, 2024, medical institutions in Odessa participated in the initiative «HIV in Europe» by organizing the European HIV Testing Week.

Supported by the Department of Health of the Odessa City Council, the City Center for the Prevention and Control of HIV/AIDS, and the Odessa City Health Center, free, voluntary, and confidential HIV testing was made available to all interested individuals.

Rapid tests were utilized, allowing individuals to determine their HIV status within 15 minutes. The purchase of these rapid tests was funded by the city budget under the “Health” program.

During the HIV Testing Week, 1192 people were tested, resulting in 8 individuals receiving positive test results.

Patients with positive results were referred to the City AIDS Center for diagnosis confirmation, disease stage assessment, and medical oversight for the prompt initiation of antiretroviral therapy.

Modern antiretroviral medications, which patients receive free of charge at the City AIDS Center, significantly minimize viral load in the blood.

Currently, Odessa has achieved high treatment results for HIV, with 96% of patients receiving antiretroviral therapy having an undetectable viral load. This prevents disease progression and allows people with HIV to lead full lives without posing a risk to partners and to have healthy children.

The achievements in HIV detection and treatment reflect the successful implementation of the global Fast Track Cities initiative, to which Odessa joined by signing the Paris Declaration.

Odessa's efforts in combating HIV have received significant recognition on an international level.