On this bright and kind Thanksgiving Day, we wish you to appreciate everything you have in your life, and with gratitude to receive every day, every warm word, every happy moment.

On October 29, 2019 the District Administrative Court of Kyiv canceled paragraph 3 of the Order No. 479 of the Ministry of Health, according to which people with a positive HIV status were prohibited from adopting children.

The court decision was obtained as a result of the trial of Albina Kotovich. Albina has HIV status and has been helping people with the same diagnosis for over 20 years. A few years ago, anHIV infected womanwith a child in a terminal stage of cancer contactedthe Albina’s organization. She asked not to leave the child in distress after her death.

When the woman died, Albina Kotovich applied for the adoption of the 12-year-old boy, but was refused because ofAlbina’s status. "Having a virus does not mean that a person is incapable of taking care of himself or his children," - Albina said.

Background: In 2008, the Ministry of Health approved a list of diseases that do not allow Ukrainians to adopt a child, including HIV. Because of the infection, many Ukrainians have had problems with their adoption or guardianship. In addition, according to official data in Ukraine, about one thousand children have HIV-positive status. Allowing HIV-infected to adopt children will also help children with the same infections be more likely to find a family. Meanwhile, experts say that modern antiretroviral therapy for the year reduces the level of the virus to such a mark that it is not detected in the blood, and therefore, the HIV-infected can not transmit the disease in any way.

US researchers have discovered a new strain of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). This was reported by The Wall Street Journal in an article "A New Strain of HIV Is Recorded Under Group That Caused Pandemic".

The research was conducted by employees of the American pharmaceutical company Abbott Laboratories, which develops diagnostic tools. Scientists have found that the strain of HIV has infected three residents of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The last time a new HIV strain was discovered in 2000.

According to experts interviewed by the journalists, this finding will not help improve the diagnosis or treatment of HIV in the short term, but may help researchers better understand the evolution and spread of the virus. Experts hope that this information will help to create an effective and affordable HIV vaccine.

On November 5, 2019 the leadership of the International Institute for HIV / AIDS and Tuberculosis was honored to have a working meeting with the First Deputy Chief of the Main Military Medical Directorate, colonel of medical service GalushkoAndriy.

During the meeting were discussed the medical issues of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in their daily activities. Based on the discussion, an algorithm for actions aimed at improving preventive measures among the personnel of the Armed Forces of Ukraine was jointly developed.

Also was discussed the positive dynamics of work of ARCHITECT i1000SR in the detection of socially dangerous infections among the personnel of the Armed Forces of Ukraine at the blood center of National Military Medical Clinical Center.

At the end of the meeting colonel of medical service Galushka presented the anniversary medal to the leadership of the International Institute for HIV / AIDS and Tuberculosis and Elliot Pearlman.

“I am convinced that the greatest and most important achievement of our cooperation is our Team - people who work diligently every day, love their work and understand its importance”- said Colonel AndriyGalushka.