On December 1, the world marks World AIDS Day under the global theme “Overcoming disruption, transforming the AIDS response,” emphasizing the need for sustained political leadership, international cooperation, and human-rights-based approaches to end the AIDS epidemic by 2030.

Kyrgyzstan is making confident strides in the fight against HIV: expanding testing coverage, introducing modern treatment drugs, and building a support system that gives people a chance at life.

As of October 1, 2025, Kyrgyzstan has officially registered 15,183 cases of HIV, of which 14,285 are citizens of the country. More than 800 new cases were identified in 2025 alone. Behind these numbers are human lives. People living with HIV face fear, illness, stigma, and sometimes lose their jobs, families, and support in life.

But the strategic partnership between UNDP and the Ministry of Health is delivering results. The Ministry of Health, with the support of UNDP, is implementing systemic solutions: expanding access to HIV testing, ensuring modern drugs for HIV treatment, and creating a network of psychological and social support. This is not just a fight against disease — it is a fight for the right of every person to live without discrimination.

Today, modern antiretroviral drugs are available in Kyrgyzstan, including combined therapy TLD — one pill a day, with virtually no side effects. This is a chance for a normal life. But this chance only works if a person takes therapy every day. To make this a reality, a support system is needed — from diagnosis to psychological assistance.

“Our role in this process is to bring the best knowledge, capacity, and open access to international platforms and financial solutions. The implementation of the UNDP project funded by the Global Fund has shown how a systemic approach to providing medicines, equipment, and services delivers tangible results, leaving no one behind. Coverage of treatment for HIV-positive people reaches 80%. Thousands of people, including representatives of vulnerable groups, have gained access to vital services and early diagnosis,” emphasizes Alexandra Solovieva, UNDP Resident Representative in Kyrgyzstan.

Erkin Checheibaev, Minister of Health of the Kyrgyz Republic, adds: “Cooperation with UNDP has allowed us to strengthen the epidemiological system, expand testing coverage, and ensure a stable supply of antiretroviral drugs. Today we continue to develop a support network — from primary diagnosis to patient care. This approach delivers real results.”

Among other joint results on the path to achieving the goal of ending the AIDS epidemic by 2030 are coverage of preventive measures for 45,000 people from vulnerable groups, 480 healthcare workers trained in early detection and treatment of HIV, which improved access to medical care, especially for women and key population groups, and 29 community advocates helping people with HIV, their families and loved ones overcome barriers to medical care, fight stigma and discrimination, and increase legal literacy among both community representatives and healthcare professionals.

World AIDS Day reminds us: the HIV epidemic is not only a medical problem. It is a challenge to society. It is a test of our ability to support. On this World AIDS Day, UNDP once again declares that every life matters, and every community plays its role.