In anticipation of World AIDS Day, the Odesa Department of Health hosted a press briefing with representatives from public organizations. 

An event offering free confidential testing for HIV and viral hepatitis was also conducted at the Administrative Services Center for all interested employees and visitors.

The city authorities, health institutions, and NGOs in Odesa are effectively joining forces to combat the spread of HIV and other socially significant diseases. 

In 2017, Odesa's Mayor Gennady Trukhanov signed the Paris Declaration, which made Odesa 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 the implementation of city-targeted programs. Currently, 98% of people living with HIV in Odesa are aware of their status, compared to only 50% before signing the Paris Declaration. These high rates have been achieved due to extensive HIV testing across all medical facilities in Odesa.

Among those who know their HIV-positive status, 96% are under medical supervision and receiving antiretroviral therapy (up from 60% prior to signing the declaration).

All medical facilities in the city employ multidisciplinary teams that, with the involvement of healthcare professionals and social workers, help individuals diagnosed with HIV to quickly access treatment and psychosocial support.

At the City Center for the Prevention and Control of HIV/AIDS, patients receive modern antiretroviral therapy free of charge. The effectiveness of the treatment is evident, with over 96% of these patients having an undetectable viral load in their blood (this figure was 86% before the declaration was signed). 

Early diagnosis of HIV and adherence to the prescribed antiretroviral therapy regimen allow people living with HIV to lead full lives and have healthy children.

Additionally, programs supporting HIV-positive pregnant women and their newborns have been introduced in Odesa, providing free medications for suppressing lactation and safe formula for artificial feeding of infants.

Furthermore, Odesa implements substitution therapy programs, harm reduction initiatives for drug users, and psychosocial rehabilitation for those who have chosen to quit using psychoactive substances.

***
From November 25 to 29, free anonymous HIV testing will be available at medical facilities in Odesa for anyone interested.

Addresses and schedule of the event.