Fast-Track Cities 2024 Conference: New Opportunities for Urban Health
The Fast-Track Cities 2024 conference is set to take place in Paris from October 13 to 15, 2024.
The event aims to summarize a decade of global efforts that have united over 550 cities in combating HIV, hepatitis, and tuberculosis, while outlining future strategies for the next ten years.
Odessa, which signed the Paris Declaration in 2017, has made significant progress, as presented by the city's mayor, Gennady Trukhanov.
Since 2017, funding for urban programs has increased more than fourfold. Currently:
- 98% of people living with HIV know their status;
- 96% are receiving treatment;
- 96% have an undetectable viral load.
Special attention is given to high-risk groups, supported by multidisciplinary teams. A program has been implemented to assist individuals with mental health issues related to substance use.
Despite the ongoing war, no social programs have been reduced; rather, Odessa has expanded its support for vulnerable populations.
This year's conference will focus on addressing the needs of at-risk communities and sharing experiences to achieve equitable and inclusive health outcomes.
“Creating a barrier-free environment is crucial for us at this moment. The experience of Paris, which hosted the Paralympic Games, serves as inspiration. I am confident that further collaboration will lead to even greater advancements in all facets of society, where the primary value is human health and the creation of equal opportunities,” said Gennady Trukhanov.
