December 1 – World AIDS Day
On December 1, the world community traditionally observes World AIDS Day. This important date was established in 1989 with the aim of drawing maximum attention to the global problem of the spread of HIV infection and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), as well as focusing efforts on prevention and support for people living with this disease.
In the Republic of Belarus, special attention is paid to countering HIV/AIDS. In our country, the provision of comprehensive and modern treatment for HIV infection to absolutely all people is guaranteed at the state level. This right is retained by patients regardless of the current stage of their illness and immune status, which significantly improves their quality of life and allows for control over the progression of the infection.
One of the key elements of an effective fight against the spread of HIV is timely diagnosis. In this regard, various forms of testing are widely available in Belarus. Those who wish can undergo voluntary HIV testing, including completely anonymous testing, at any healthcare facility that has a procedure room. For those who prefer to test themselves, express self-test kits are available in pharmacy chains in all regions of the country, ensuring convenience and confidentiality.
As for the situation in the Vitebsk region, according to current data, 73 new cases of HIV infection were detected here from January to September 2025. The incidence rate, which reflects the number of new cases per 100,000 population, was 6.8.
For the entire period of observation and registration of HIV infection cases in the Vitebsk region, a total of 2125 cases have been registered. Currently, 1529 people living with HIV are under medical supervision.
It is gratifying news that during the period from January to September 2025, not a single case of HIV transmission from mother to child was registered in the Vitebsk region. This indicates the effectiveness of the ongoing prevention programs for vertical transmission of the infection and the attentive medical support for pregnant women with HIV-positive status.
Despite the fact that radical ways to completely cure HIV infection do not yet exist today, modern medicine has made a huge leap forward. As access to effective prevention methods, accurate diagnostics, high-quality treatment, and comprehensive care expands, HIV infection has transitioned from a death sentence to a category of manageable chronic diseases. Thanks to this, people living with HIV can lead full, long lives.