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

With the support of the Odessa City Council's Health Department and other organizations, local healthcare facilities provided free and confidential HIV testing for everyone.

Rapid tests were utilized, allowing individuals to receive results within 15 minutes. The purchase of these tests was funded by the city budget under the “Health” program.

During the testing week, 1,192 individuals were tested, revealing 8 positive cases of HIV.

Patients who tested positive were referred to the City AIDS Center for further diagnosis and prompt initiation of antiretroviral therapy.

Modern antiretroviral drugs, provided free of charge, help minimize viral load in the bloodstream.

Currently, 96% of HIV patients receiving antiretroviral therapy in Odessa have an undetectable viral load, allowing them to live fulfilling lives without posing a risk to their partners.

These results reflect the successful implementation of the Fast Track Cities initiative, to which Odessa joined under the leadership of Mayor Gennady Trukhanov.

Efforts in combating HIV in Odessa have received international recognition.