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On December 10, 2023, the 75th anniversary of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights will be celebrated. The Declaration was written and adopted by representatives of all regions of the world, its main postulate is that human rights are universal, indivisible and are the foundation of peace and development.
Asia Plus has prepared a series of articles dedicated to this significant date.
The first case of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) was officially detected in Tajikistan 32 years ago.
What changes have occurred since then and how people with HIV infection live in Tajikistan, how to change the negative attitude of society towards them, says the head of the Network of Women Living with HIV in Tajikistan, Tahmina Khaidarova.
- Tahmina, tell us, what is the current situation with HIV infection in Tajikistan? What is the latest data?
- The situation with HIV infection in Tajikistan is still serious. According to the latest data, at the end of March 2023, 15333 HIV cases were registered - 9764 men and 5569 women. However, experts are confident that the real number of people living with HIV may be even higher, since not everyone is tested for HIV.
Hello, I am Khadija! I am 32 years old and I have two wonderful children. In 2016, a tragedy occurred - my husband, who had returned from work migration, suddenly passed away from an unknown illness. It was a shock for me and it seemed like the world lost its light and joy. But fate decided to test me even further. After his death, I was sent for testing at the HIV Center, and it turned out that my husband had died from HIV and had infected me as well. I felt like my life was falling apart and I had the desire to give up. However, I decided to fight. I started visiting the HIV Center and talking to peer counselors who helped me overcome pain and fear. There, I met other women who were also living with HIV. Their stories inspired me and gave me hope for a better future. I became actively involved in trainings and support groups at Non-Governmental Organizations. There, I gained not only valuable knowledge about HIV but also found support and understanding. These meetings became a source of strength and inspiration for me.
In 2018, I had the opportunity to learn the profession of a tailor through a project. I eagerly embarked on the journey of learning about the world of fashion and garment creation. My perseverance and talent were noticed, and I started working as a tailor. With each passing day, I became better and better at my craft. My work was in demand, and I was able to provide a decent future for my family. I became confident and independent.
But most importantly, I did not forget to share my experience and inspiration with other women living with HIV. I tell them, "Life with HIV is possible! We are no different from other women. We have the strength and potential to be full-fledged members of society. Don't give up, fight, and strive for a happy and fulfilling life!"
Today, with a sincere smile on my face, I continue to share my story and pursue my successful tailoring business. My success story proves that life with HIV can be full of joy and opportunities.
On October 14, 2023, we organized the Youth Action called “Raise Your Voice Against Violence” in honor of International Day of the Girl Child!
Every year, we pay special attention to the challenges faced by girls and call on society to support the expansion and realization of their rights and opportunities. Through collaborative efforts involving NGO TNWplus, Teenergizer Tajikistan, Hamsool ba Hamsool, and the Y-PEER Tajikistan Network, with financial support from UNAIDS and UN WOMEN, we successfully organized this youth campaign. It was heartwarming to see all the young activists, members of youth organizations, and networks come together to combat gender-based violence.
The event provided young people with an opportunity to unite, share experiences, express their views on violence, and demonstrate their readiness and determination to act collectively against gender-based violence. We held a drawing competition titled “My Vision of a World Without Violence,” and we are proud of the talents displayed by all participants.
Our creative teenagers showcased their skills and depicted a world free from violence in their artwork. We extend our gratitude to all participants for their activism and commitment to ending violence. Your creativity and beautiful works did not go unnoticed.
All participants’ artworks were exhibited before the event commenced. We were delighted to have distinguished guests such as Aziza Khaidarova, the Country Director of UNAIDS in Tajikistan, Lailo Zamirova, the UN Women representative, Tahmina Khaidarova, the representative of NGO “TSZH”, and Parvina Sulaimoni, the representative of NGO “Hamsool ba Hamsool”, present to honor the contest winners.
Certificates and commemorative prizes were awarded to all creative teenagers, and the winners were announced. It was a wonderful day filled with inspiration and energy.
On December 10, 2023, the 75th anniversary of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights will be commemorated. This declaration was written and accepted by representatives from all regions of the world. Its main tenet is that human rights are universal, indivisible, and the foundation for peace and development.
In Tajikistan, 32 years ago, the first case of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) was officially identified. Let’s explore the current situation regarding HIV infection in Tajikistan and the changes that have occurred since then.
Tahmina, could you share the current situation with HIV infection in Tajikistan? What are the latest statistics?
The situation with HIV infection in Tajikistan remains serious. As of the end of March 2023, 15,333 cases of HIV have been registered, including 9,764 men and 5,569 women. However, experts believe that the actual number of people living with HIV may be even higher, as not everyone undergoes HIV testing.
