December 1 - HIV Prevention Day | Rossonsky District Executive Committee

December 1, 2025 marks the Day of HIV/AIDS Prevention, established by the World Health Organization and the UN General Assembly in 1988. This day aims to raise awareness about HIV infection, demonstrate international solidarity in the fight against the epidemic, and provide information on transmission routes, prevention measures, and treatment accessibility. This year, the Day of HIV/AIDS Prevention will be held under the slogan: "Overcoming Challenges, Changing Strategy."

What are HIV and AIDS

HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus): An infectious disease that progresses slowly and affects the human immune system, making it vulnerable to other infections.
AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome): The terminal (final) stage of HIV infection, during which the human immune system is severely weakened.

Main Transmission Routes

Sexual route: Through unprotected heterosexual and homosexual contact.
Parenteral (bloodborne): Through unsterilized needles and syringes (e.g., during drug use), through transfusion of infected blood, or the use of unsterilized instruments for tattoos and other procedures.
Vertical route: From an infected mother to her child during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding.

Prevention

Using condoms during every sexual contact is the simplest and most reliable method of protection.
Avoid the use of injectable drugs and unsterilized needles.
Use only personal or sterilized instruments for manicures, shaving, tattooing, and piercing.
Regular information dissemination, testing, and timely medical consultation are necessary for prevention and treatment.

HIV testing in Belarus can be done at any state healthcare institution with a procedure room, including anonymously, as well as at specialized medical centers and laboratories. The test can also be taken at private clinic laboratories. Express tests for self-testing are also available and can be purchased at any pharmacy in our country (in case of a positive express test result, a full examination at a medical institution is necessary to obtain an accurate diagnosis).

Residents of Rossony district can get tested anonymously at the central district polyclinic of the Healthcare Institution "Rossony CRB", in the procedure room.

Important Facts

With modern treatment, HIV infection has become a manageable chronic disease, not a death sentence.
People with HIV, following their doctor's recommendations, can live long and fulfilling lives.
It is impossible to contract HIV through everyday contact, handshakes, hugs, dishes, or shared water.
Stigma and discrimination against people with HIV hinder effective prevention and treatment. It is important to show tolerance and support.
In Belarus, treatment for HIV-infected patients under dispensary observation is free.

Take care of yourself and your loved ones!

State Institution "Rossony RCHyE", 2025