Odessa's HIV Testing Initiatives: Results and Achievements
From November 25 to 29, 2024, Odessa participated in the European HIV Testing Week as part of the «HIV in Europe» initiative.
Supported by the Department of Health of the Odessa City Council, the City Center for HIV Prevention and Control, and the Odessa City Health Center, local medical facilities offered free HIV testing for everyone.
Rapid tests were used for assessments, providing HIV status results within 15 minutes. The purchase of these rapid tests is funded by the city's budget under the “Health” targeted program.
As a result of the European HIV Testing Week, 1,192 individuals underwent rapid testing in Odessa's medical facilities, leading to 8 positive HIV test results.
Patients with positive results were referred to the City AIDS Center for confirmation of diagnosis, disease stage assessment, and medical supervision for prompt initiation of antiretroviral therapy.
Modern antiretroviral medications, which patients receive for free at the City AIDS Center, significantly reduce viral load in the blood.
Currently, Odessa has achieved high treatment success for HIV, with 96% of HIV patients on antiretroviral therapy showing undetectable viral loads. This prevents disease progression and allows individuals with HIV to lead long, fulfilling lives.
The accomplishments in HIV detection and treatment demonstrate the effective implementation of the global Fast Track Cities initiative, which Odessa joined by signing the Paris Declaration with Mayor Gennady Trukhanov.
Odessa's efforts in combating HIV have received international recognition and acclaim.
