In Ukraine, 9,653 new cases of HIV infection were detected in the first nine months of 2024, of which every fourth was diagnosed at the AIDS stage. 137,000 people with confirmed HIV status are registered in medical institutions, the Ministry of Health reports.
According to official data, 899 people died of AIDS in 2024. However, the Ministry of Health emphasizes that early detection of HIV allows you to avoid the progression of the disease.
You can take the test:
- at the family doctor;
- in medical institutions;
- at partner organizations providing rapid tests.
Rapid tests are confidential, free, and provide results within 15–30 minutes.
A positive HIV test is no longer a death sentence. With antiretroviral therapy (ARV), patients can fully control the virus and live full lives.
ARV therapy allows you to achieve a low viral load (less than 40 RNA copies/ml). With stable medication for six months, HIV becomes undetectable and cannot be transmitted to others.
Today, 118,700 Ukrainians are already receiving ARV therapy free of charge. However, for the treatment to remain effective, it must be taken systematically.
The Ministry of Health urges Ukrainians to know their HIV status, as timely diagnosis allows avoiding the transition of the infection to the AIDS stage. People who take therapy can start families, give birth to healthy children, and live without restrictions.
The availability of treatment and testing in Ukraine opens up new opportunities to combat the epidemic. However, the task of raising public awareness and strengthening the prevention system remains relevant.
