From November 25 to 29, 2024, Odesa participated in the European HIV Testing Week as part of the «HIV in Europe» initiative.

With the support of the Odesa City Council's Department of Health, free and voluntary HIV testing was organized for all interested individuals in the city.

Rapid tests were used for the screenings, allowing individuals to learn their HIV status in just 15 minutes. The purchase of these rapid tests is funded by the Odesa city budget under the “Health” program.

During the HIV Testing Week, 1192 people underwent testing, resulting in 8 positive cases.

Patients with positive results were referred to the City AIDS Center for diagnosis confirmation, disease staging, and medical supervision to initiate antiretroviral therapy as soon as possible.

The modern antiretroviral drugs provided free of charge significantly reduce viral load in the bloodstream.

Odesa has achieved high treatment outcomes for HIV, with 96% of patients receiving antiretroviral therapy having an undetectable viral load. This prevents disease progression and allows HIV-positive individuals to live long, fulfilling lives without posing a threat to partners and having healthy children.

The successful detection and treatment of HIV in Odesa reflect the effective implementation of the global Fast Track Cities initiative, to which Odesa joined by signing the Paris Declaration.

Odesa's efforts in combating HIV have gained high recognition on a global scale.