Odessa's HIV Testing Week: Achievements and Outcomes
From November 25 to 29, 2024, Odessa held an initiative for HIV testing as part of the «HIV in Europe» campaign.
Supported by the Odessa City Council and specialized health institutions, free anonymous HIV testing was organized for all interested individuals.
The testing utilized rapid tests that provided results in just 15 minutes. These tests were funded by the city budget of Odessa through the “Health” program.
During the European HIV Testing Week, 1192 individuals were tested in Odessa's medical facilities, with 8 receiving positive results.
Patients with positive results were referred to the City AIDS Center for diagnosis confirmation and treatment, including antiretroviral therapy.
Modern medications provided for free help minimize viral load in the bloodstream.
Currently, Odessa has achieved high treatment outcomes for HIV, with 96% of patients on antiretroviral therapy showing undetectable viral loads, preventing disease progression.
These results highlight the successful implementation of the Fast Track Cities initiative, to which Odessa joined by signing the Paris Declaration.
Odessa's efforts in combating HIV have gained international recognition.
