Press Release 2025 “Overcoming Challenges, Changing Strategy”

December 1st is observed as HIV Prevention Day in the calendars of many countries. The history of this day dates back to 1988, when, at the initiative of the World Health Organization (WHO), this day was chosen to draw the attention of the global community to the problem of the spread of a new disease, which was first widely discussed in the early 1980s. Over the 40-year history of the epidemic's development, much has changed: from ignorance and fear of an unknown disease, the world has moved to the possibility of treatment that reduces the amount of virus in the blood to a level undetectable by tests and untransmissible to other people.

Today, HIV infection has transitioned from a deadly disease to a chronic condition. In Belarus, over 25.5 thousand people live with HIV-positive status (as of November 2025), of whom more than 22 thousand are receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART), thereby preserving their health, life expectancy, and quality of life. The largest number of new cases are registered among men and women aged 30 to 59 years, with sexual transmission being the predominant route of HIV transmission, accounting for over 80% of all registered cases.

From 1990 to November 1, 2025, 2130 cases of HIV infection have been registered in the Vitebsk region; 1533 people living with HIV. In the 10 months of 2025, 78 new cases of HIV infection were detected. All age groups of the population are involved in the epidemic process; however, the main proportion of citizens newly diagnosed with HIV infection in 2025 are people in the age group of 30-59 years (79.4%). Throughout the entire observation period, the primary route of infection has been sexual transmission – 84.0%. In the 10 months of 2025, sexual transmission occurred in 89.7% of cases.

It is important to remember that HIV infection is not transmitted through household contact.

The motto of HIV Prevention Day this year, "Overcoming Challenges, Changing Strategies," calls for maintaining the achievements of previous years in combating the spread of this disease.

The international symbol – a red ribbon loop – symbolizes solidarity with those directly affected by this issue. The HIV Prevention Day continues to remind us that the disease can affect anyone. Reliable information on HIV-related issues, raising awareness of modern medical advancements and related changes in prevention, and eradicating stigma and discrimination in all its forms remain highly relevant.

As part of the World HIV Prevention Day, informational and educational events are held in institutions and organizations. These will take place in traditional formats, such as campaigns, talk shows, and presentations, as well as in modern formats using the internet, flash mobs, contests, and exhibitions of works demonstrating personal attitudes towards the issue and proposals for improving the effectiveness of preventive measures, and preventing stigma and discrimination against people living with HIV.

Given the epidemiological situation, significant attention will be paid to preventive measures among the working population.

Join us on this HIV Prevention Day. The events held will once again draw attention to HIV infection, convey information to the public, and motivate safe and responsible behavior and health preservation.

Department of HIV Infection and Parenteral Viral Hepatitis Prevention of the State Institution "Vitebsk Regional Center for Hygiene, Epidemiology and Public Health"