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- Which age groups are more likely to be infected? What is the reason for this?
- HIV infection is most often detected among young people aged 25 to 49 years. This is due to several factors.
Thus, young people are more likely to use contraception incorrectly, have unwanted sexual contact, and use drugs. In addition, they may not be sufficiently informed about HIV transmission methods and precautions.
Medicine has made a big step forward
- How is the issue of HIV prevention and treatment being resolved in the country?
- The problem, as I have already said, is very serious and for this reason, in Tajikistan, the issue of HIV prevention and treatment is given close attention.
For example, in 2016, Tajikistan ratified the "Political Declaration on HIV and AIDS: to accelerate the fight against HIV and end the AIDS epidemic by 2030."
In 2017, the Health Code was adopted, which in chapter 24 focuses on HIV treatment and prevention and prohibits discrimination against people living with HIV or PLHIV in all spheres of life.
In 2020, the Government approved the National Program to Combat the HIV Epidemic and Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) for 2021-2025, as well as the general budget and Action Plan.
These documents define ways to solve the problem of HIV, including the rights of PLHIV to receive free qualified and specialized
These measures are aimed at reducing the spread of HIV infection, providing early diagnosis and effective treatment, eliminating stigma and discrimination, and improving the quality of life of people living with HIV.
- And what is the situation with providing patients with antiretroviral therapy drugs? Are there enough of them?
- The situation with providing patients with antiretroviral therapy (ART) drugs thanks to the efforts of the Government and the Global Fund is satisfactory.
I would like to note that since the appearance of this virus, medicine in the world has made a big step forward in its treatment. For example, now it is enough for people living with HIV to take one tablet per day to eliminate the negative effects of infection.
Patients in need of treatment can contact AIDS centers at their place of residence and receive medications for free.
If a person is suspected of HIV infection, it is recommended to contact local medical institutions or HIV/AIDS organizations to receive professional counseling and HIV testing.
- Why did you personally decide to head an organization dealing with the problems of women living with HIV?
- The fact is that in 2010, the HIV problem affected my family, and at that time I did not see an organization in the country dedicated to protecting the rights of women living with HIV, and there was a widespread opinion in society that only women of easy virtue and injecting drug users could become infected with HIV.
In practice, when I started working in this field, I saw women who were victims of HIV infection. These were the wives of migrant workers, the wives of people who inject drugs and women who were infected in medical institutions.
Despite the progressive provisions existing in Tajik legislation, practice has shown that, unfortunately, people living with HIV continue to be discriminated against in all spheres of life.
The reasons for such discrimination are different: misconceptions and knowledge about the disease, low qualifications of employees of relevant departments, low legal awareness of the general population, gender stereotypes, contradictions in the law
In order to change the opinion in society, I began to actively work in this direction. My motto became the words: "There is no need to separate people by status and social status! Stigma and discrimination against people living with HIV must be stopped! People living with HIV are equal citizens just like the rest!"
"Legislation should protect the rights of people living with HIV"
- According to previous surveys, many citizens do not want to come to HIV Detection Centers for fear of being prosecuted, as well as stigma in society. What do you think about it?
- I absolutely agree with you that the fear of being held accountable under article 125 and stigma in society are serious obstacles to people seeking help and being tested for HIV.
Indeed, in such cases, certain measures are needed to overcome these barriers.
The State must ensure that information about HIV infection and test results are
It is also necessary to conduct information campaigns about HIV/AIDS, to eliminate insufficient knowledge and prejudice. The more people know about HIV, the less fear and stigma there will be.
Legislation should protect the rights of people living with HIV from discrimination and harassment in society.
It is also important to ensure that patients have access to legal support and psychological assistance to help them cope with the stigma and negative consequences associated with HIV/AIDS.
- What can and should be done to stop the spread of HIV in Tajikistan? What ways do you see to solve the problem? How much is this possible?
- Stopping the spread of HIV in Tajikistan is a difficult task that requires a comprehensive approach and great efforts on the part of the Government, the public and the international community. Here are some ways to solve this problem:
First, it is necessary to ensure the availability of HIV treatment, including antiretroviral drugs, testing and consultations. It is also important to train medical personnel to provide quality care to HIV/AIDS patients without discrimination.
It is also necessary to conduct information campaigns to raise awareness about this virus, how to protect and prevent transmission of infection.
It is important to develop strategies and programs to reduce HIV/AIDS-related stigma and discrimination. This may include educational activities aimed at protecting the rights of people living with HIV/AIDS.
Another important task is to eliminate discriminatory legal and regulatory documents in order to create a favorable, non-discriminatory environment for people living with HIV, especially towards women.
I would like to note that in our country, advocacy for changing legislation continues and there are already serious steps. Two large Forums were held, with the participation of representatives of the public sector, international courts and civil society. I also took part in these events, made a presentation about the problems and barriers faced by women living with HIV.
The working group, which included civil society and representatives of the Supreme Court, developed a draft plan for the Criminal Code, which amended article 125, which explains in which cases a person endangers another person and in which cases he does not. I understand that the country's policy is such that it is impossible to completely remove this article from the Criminal Code, and the fact that we have all taken a big step.
It is important to remember that withholding information about HIV status can pose a real threat to public health and harm other people. Therefore, it is necessary to strive for a balance between protecting the rights and confidentiality of patients and ensuring the safety of society as a whole.
The implementation of all these measures will require significant efforts and resources. However, with proper planning and an adequate approach, I think it is possible to stop the spread of HIV in Tajikistan.
It is important that all stakeholders work together to achieve this common goal and ensure the health and well-being of the country's population.
"People living with HIV continue to be discriminated against"
- What kind of assistance does your organization provide to the authorities of the country in solving the HIV problem?
- The Government of Tajikistan actively cooperates with international and public organizations to prevent the spread of HIV infection and ensure access to testing, treatment and support for people living with HIV.
Our organization provides assistance to the authorities of the country in solving these problems, as well as reducing stigma and discrimination against PLHIV.
We are engaged in HIV prevention, conduct information campaigns, promote the interests of women and girls living with HIV in order to involve women and girls in decision-making.
We also provide training to the community, parents whose children are living with HIV, medical staff and contribute to the development of national strategies to combat HIV/AIDS and other infectious diseases.
Our organization works at the local and national levels, cooperating with government agencies and other public organizations to achieve the common goal of preventing the spread of HIV infection and providing effective treatment and support for people living with HIV.
