An important point in preventing the spread of HIV / AIDS and tuberculosis is the provision of hygienic education and promotion of a healthy lifestyle. In the ranks of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, this task is entrusted to the institution of the Preventive Medicine Service of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine.

At present, in the military units of the region of responsibility specialists of 108th regional sanitary and epidemiological department are actively pursuing work on the new replenishment of the spring of 2019 for the promotion of hygienic knowledge and healthy lifestyles, the prevention of bad habits, information on contemporary ideas about the causes of actual infectious diseases, etc.

Educational materials were developed and provided to military units through the cooperation of the NGO "International HIV/AIDS and TB Institute", the Preventive Medicine Service of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine and the Center for Public Health of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine.

According to official data, HIV infection in Ukraine in 66% of cases spread through unprotected sex, and 20% - due to the introduction of drugs by injection. According to estimates, in Ukraine there are more than 240 thousand people living with HIV.

If HIV infection is diagnosed on time, it is possible to initiate antiretroviral therapy promptly, provide necessary treatment to the patient and thus guarantee a high-quality life to a person. However, today in Ukraine, only 40% of HIV-infected people receive high-performance antiretroviral therapy (ARV). At the same time, Ukraine ranks first in terms of the spread of HIV in Europe, in particular, due to the low level of detection of this infection. In Ukraine, more than 100 thousand people are not aware of their HIV-positive status.

Today Ukraine has all the necessary capabilities to confirm status with the help of modern fast tests. You can do an HIV test using this test from your family doctor or at the medical center.

Free rapid tests for HIV are available in all regions of Ukraine, you can do it in special centers or ask your family doctor, therapist or pediatrician. The result of the rapid HIV test is ready in 15 minutes: up to 5 minutes - preparation and taking blood from the finger, 10 - waiting for the result.

On May 21-22, 2019, will be held the International conference which is devoted to the issues of perspective development of HIV / AIDS and tuberculosis prevention in the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The conference will be held at the conference hall of the Hotel Rus (Kyiv, Hospitalna St., 4). This event organized by NGO "International HIV/AIDS and TB Institute".

The conference will be attended by representatives of the Department of Defense HIV/AIDS Prevention Program (DHAPP) - Michael Grillo and Stan Ito. Also, the conference will be attended by specialists of the Preventive Medicine Service of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, laboratory services, blood services and scientists of the Ukrainian Military Medical Academy.

The conference will address the development of preventive measures to combat the spread of HIV / AIDS and tuberculosis among military personnel in the framework of the implementation of the three-year HIV / AIDS Prevention Program in Ukraine under the auspices of the US President's Emergency Plan for HIV / AIDS (PEPFAR).

Reference: The US President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) supports HIV / AIDS prevention activities in the armed forces through direct assistance from the military unit, support for non-governmental organizations and cooperation with other US government agencies in the country.

For participation in the conference, call the telephone number +38 044 569 28 52. Contact person Dobroskok Larysa, project coordinator.

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) are a national health problem in Ukraine. According to the Ministry of Health in Ukraine annually, about 400 thousand new cases of syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia, herpes, genitourinary mycoplasmosis, genital candidiasis and trichomoniasis are registered. The official statistic reflects, from various estimates, from 30% to 40% of the actual number of cases of STIs.

The STI problem can not be separated from the HIV / AIDS epidemic in Ukraine, as one of the main ways of transmission of HIV is sexually transmitted. According to statistics, today, the proportion of HIV infections due to the injection of narcotic drugs has resulted in the incidence of fatal sexually transmitted infections. This necessitates the intensification of STI diagnostic and treatment activities in risk groups for HIV in order to prevent the further spread of HIV in Ukraine.

According to research, the presence of STI significantly increases the risk of transmission and infection of HIV by sexually transmitted. In particular, HIV transmission is facilitated by syphilis, genital herpes, gonorrhea, chlamydia, trichomoniasis, candidiasis, mycoplasmosis, and other sexually transmitted infections. Erosion and ulcers, inflammation, tissue damage caused by STIs, weaken the factors protecting the body from HIV infection.

But the infection can be warned. Barrier contraceptive methods are the best protection against many STIs, including HIV and hepatitis. With proper and sustainable use, condoms are one of the most effective ways to protect against infection and preventing unwanted pregnancy. However, it should be borne in mind that a condom does not guarantee 100% of the result, as there is always the risk of its misuse, poor quality or damage to the integrity, so it is worth visiting the doctor for examination at least once a year.