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

With the support of the Odesa City Council's Department of Health, the City Center for HIV Prevention and Control, and the Odesa City Health Center, free and confidential HIV testing was organized for all interested individuals.

Rapid tests were used for screening, providing results within 15 minutes. The procurement of these tests was funded by the Odesa city budget under the “Health” program.

During the European HIV Testing Week, 1192 people were tested, resulting in 8 individuals testing positive for HIV.

Patients with positive results were referred to the City AIDS Center for diagnosis confirmation and medical oversight to ensure prompt antiretroviral therapy.

Modern antiretroviral drugs provided free of charge minimize the viral load in patients' blood.

Currently, Odesa has achieved impressive results in HIV treatment, with 96% of patients receiving antiretroviral therapy having an undetectable viral load. This prevents disease progression and allows those with HIV to live long, fulfilling lives without posing a risk to partners and have healthy children.

The results achieved in HIV detection and treatment highlight the successful implementation of the global Fast Track Cities initiative, which Odesa joined by signing the Paris Declaration.

Odesa's efforts in combating HIV have received recognition at the global level.