Since the beginning of the year, about 250 new cases of HIV infection have been registered in Kazakhstan's capital. The data was presented by the Astana Akimat's Center for HIV Prevention, according to infohub.kz.
Experts estimate that about 3,800 people live with HIV in the city, but only 87% of them know their status.
Aizhan Zhailauabaeva, head of the preventive work department, said no HIV cases have been detected in children under 14 in the city.
"According to estimates, about 3,800 people live with HIV in Astana. Of these, 3,311, or 87%, know their status. Among those who know their status, 3,156 people (about 95%) are under dynamic observation," she said.
Men account for 62.3% of cases (women — 37.7%). Heterosexual transmission was recorded in 77.7% of cases, homosexual — in 13%, parenteral — in 4.5%. In another 4.5% of cases, the transmission route has not been established.
"Today, HIV infection is not a death sentence but a chronic disease that is controlled with therapy. Our task is to identify those who do not yet know their status. The earlier a person gets tested and starts treatment, the better for their health and the more reliably they protect their loved ones," Zhailauabaeva noted.
Recall that HIV is transmitted only in three ways: sexually, through blood, including the use of unsterile injection equipment, and from mother to child during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding.
The virus is not transmitted through handshakes, hugs, casual kisses, shared dishes, clothing, in a swimming pool, or through insect bites.
"Kursiv" reported where citizens and foreigners with HIV can receive therapy in Kazakhstan