Press Release "World AIDS Day - 2019"

December 1 is World AIDS Day. This day has acquired the status of an annual event in most countries of the world and demonstrates international solidarity in the fight against the HIV/AIDS epidemic.

World AIDS Day is dedicated to a specific theme each year. This year, the theme will be "The Role of Communities".

Today, World AIDS Day remains relevant, reminding us that raising awareness about HIV infection, and eradicating stigma and discrimination against people living with HIV, remains critically important.

According to statistics from the World Health Organization, there are over 37.9 million people living on the planet. In the last 30 years, about 32 million people have died from AIDS.

In the Republic of Belarus, over the past decade, the largest number of new cases has been registered in people over 35 years of age. The heterosexual route of HIV transmission predominates.

As of November 1, 2019, the Republic has registered:

over 27.5 thousand cases of HIV infection;

over 21.5 thousand people living with HIV.

In the Vitebsk region, as of November 1, 2019, 1522 cases of HIV infection were registered, with 1179 people living with HIV. The prevalence rate was 100.64 per 100,000 population (the national rate is 230.48).

The region ranks 6th among the regions of the republic in terms of prevalence.

For January-October 2019, 102 new cases of HIV infection were detected (compared to 88 in the same period of 2018).

A system has been established in our country to ensure maximum accessibility to counseling and testing for HIV infection. You can undergo voluntary HIV testing,

including anonymousissues related to HIV. Events are being held in all regions of the world to draw general attention to the current situation and prospective directions in the field of HIV infection prevention. Public organizations engaged in combating HIV infection are mobilizing efforts to support the communities in which they work and provide an opportunity for people living with HIV to speak out on relevant and significant issues.

In anticipation of World AIDS Day, information and educational events are being held in all regions of the Republic of Belarus on the initiative of healthcare institutions with the support of non-governmental organizations, volunteers, and media: exhibitions, contests, competitions, open lessons, and live broadcasts. When organizing events, prioritizing the education of youth, it is necessary to pay special attention to the age group over 35 years old.

Events will also be organized and held in our region for the population (campaigns, talk shows, exhibitions, thematic evenings, flash mobs, forum theaters, music marathons, etc.).

On 03.12.2019, a seminar "On the Implementation of the New Edition of the Information Strategy on HIV Infection in the Republic of Belarus" will be held at the Luchosa Hotel from 12:45 to 17:00 with the participation of representatives of authorities, key population groups, media personalities, and healthcare specialists. Also on this day at 19:00, a creative evening of Svetlana Borovskaya, UNAIDS Goodwill Ambassador in Belarus, will take place. The creative evening and seminar are organized by UNAIDS, the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Belarus, the State Institution "Republican Center for Hygiene, Epidemiology and Public Health," and the State Institution "Vitebsk Regional Center for Hygiene, Epidemiology and Public Health."

Large-scale events will also be held:

28.11.2019 – at the Culture Center of Orsha – for youth "Know Your HIV Status" with express HIV testing;

        28.11.2019 – “Dispel Doubts, Get Tested for HIV” – for employees of OJSC “Naftan”; 

        29.11.2019 – “HIV/AIDS Prevention” at OJSC “Polotsk-Steklovolokno”;   

        29.11.2019 – “Concerns Everyone” at Educational Institution “Vitebsk State Technological University”.  

 Information days on HIV infection prevention will be held in organizations, institutions, and enterprises of all forms of ownership under the slogan “Communities at the forefront”.

         Join us on this World AIDS Day. The events held will once again draw attention to the seriousness of this problem, convey information on HIV infection prevention to the public, motivate safe and responsible behavior, and preserve one's health.

 

 

      

HIV/AIDS Prevention Department of the State Institution "Vitebsk Regional Center for Hygiene, Epidemiology and Public Health"