Commemorating AIDS Victims: New Initiatives and Support
Every year, on the third Sunday of May, an event is held to honor those who have lost their lives to AIDS. The day before this event, a memorial gathering took place in the Old Bazaar Square, organized by the City Center for HIV Prevention and Control along with representatives from various NGOs.
Participants planted flowers at the memorial and adorned it with red ribbons, symbolizing their commitment to continue the fight against the AIDS epidemic.
On AIDS Memorial Day, activists around the globe not only remember those who have passed away from the disease but also emphasize the importance of life. Ukraine ranks among the highest in Europe regarding the prevalence of HIV infection.
Thanks to modern antiretroviral therapy, individuals living with HIV can lead fulfilling lives, reducing viral loads to a level that makes them safe for partners and allows them to have healthy children.
The Odessa city administration has been actively working for many years to prevent the spread of HIV as part of the Fast Track Cities initiative, which the city joined by signing the Paris Declaration with Mayor Gennady Trukhanov.
All medical facilities in Odessa offer free HIV testing, with confidential results available within 15 minutes. The city budget allocates funds for the purchase of rapid tests. Each medical facility has multidisciplinary teams of healthcare providers and social workers who assist patients in obtaining antiretroviral therapy and comprehensive social-psychological services.
