In 1988, World AIDS Day was established. World AIDS Day was initiated by the World Health Organization (WHO), it is celebrated annually on 1 December. The day has become one of the most important international health days and a key opportunity to raise awareness about HIV prevention. The symbol of this day is a red ribbon, which represents support, compassion and hope for the future without AIDS.
World AIDS Day is always dedicated to a specific theme. This year's theme will be “ End inequalities. End AIDS. End pandemics”. The third year of the COVID-19 pandemic and the fifth decade of the AIDS pandemic are coming. The problem of the spread of HIV infection remains one of the most acute medical and social global challenges faced by all countries without exception.
More than 23 thousand people live in Belarus with HIV-positive status. Over the past decade, the largest number of new cases have been registered in the age group of 35-49 years old people.
A system ensuring maximum accessibility to testing for HIV infection has been created in our country. You can take voluntary testing, including anonymous testing, at any health care institution. There are anonymous centers that provide counseling and HIV testing services for the key groups of the population. They act on the basis of the state healthcare organizations and non-state non-profit organizations. You can not only take a test at a health care institution, but also buy it at a pharmacy and do a test at home.
Belarus provides universal access to antiretroviral therapy. It means Belarus guarantees the provision of HIV treatment to all people living with HIV, regardless of the stage of the disease and the level of immunity. Today, 85% of people living with HIV in the republic receive antiretroviral therapy, thereby preserving their health and the quality of life.
