Kyrgyzstan reaches anti-record for HIV detection

There are 11,006 HIV cases registered in Kyrgyzstan. Such data are provided by the Republican AIDS Center.

The number of people infected with HIV / AIDS is growing every year in Kyrgyzstan.

So, for 11 months of 2021, 1,276 people learned their HIV status, which is 641 more cases compared to 2020. However, in 2020, due to the coronavirus pandemic, quarantine was introduced and many could not get tested for the virus.

What measures are being taken against HIV infection in Kyrgyzstan

Every year the Republican AIDS Center conducts an HIV test campaign in the markets and shopping centers of Bishkek.

The immunodeficiency virus test is conducted anonymously and free of charge. Early detection of HIV status from saliva allows antiretroviral therapy to be initiated as soon as possible.

Every person has HIV status, in most cases it is negative, but there are also HIV-positive ones. Most importantly, everyone is obliged to know about their immunodeficiency virus status.

In Kyrgyzstan, public hearings are currently being held on overcoming the HIV epidemic for 2022-2026.

HIV and AIDS in the context of the coronavirus pandemic

The AIDS center reported that in the midst of coronavirus infection, doctors conducted online consultations to their patients, distributed medicines with a three-month supply.

There were not many severe cases of COVID among those with HIV infection. Many got sick easily, as they were on antiretroviral therapy.

Also, everyone who has a coronavirus infection is tested for HIV infection. This is due to the fact that the symptoms of pneumonia caused by coronavirus and Pneumocystis pneumonia in HIV are very similar. For this reason, it was proposed to test those with coronavirus and community-acquired pneumonia for HIV. All of them are now being tested, and already 20 people have been diagnosed with HIV.

What methods of detecting the virus are practiced in Kyrgyzstan?
In Kyrgyzstan, various methods have been introduced to detect the disease, such as rapid saliva testing. Capillary blood testing has also been introduced for pregnant women who were not registered during pregnancy. You can get tested at AIDS centers.

There is also a new method - self-testing. Not for sale in pharmacies yet, but self-testing can be purchased at the AIDS Center.