AIDS Center launches series of trainings on HIV prevention

With the support of the Global Fund, the Republican AIDS Center of the Ministry of Health has launched a series of trainings on “Organization and responsibilities of outreach work, Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) and Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), HIV testing with saliva-based tests” within the framework of the training program planned for 2025.

The first training was organized for employees of non-governmental organizations working with population groups at high risk of infection with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). The event was attended by social workers and outreach specialists working with vulnerable groups of KCK, TGK and SBI.

The aim of the training is to prevent the transmission of HIV infection among vulnerable groups, reduce the spread of the virus by strengthening access to early testing and treatment, and minimize deaths related to Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS).

Participants were provided with detailed information on the transmission routes of HIV/AIDS, the importance of prevention programs, the mechanisms of TEP and TSP, as well as the rules for using saliva-based tests. The training also included presentations on the current state of the HIV epidemic in Azerbaijan, reducing stigma and discrimination, and the principles of outreach work.

Minority Azerbaijan notes that for the effectiveness of HIV control measures, it is important that prevention programs fully cover vulnerable groups such as men who have sex with men, gay, bisexual, and non-heterosexual men.

Including representatives of this group in TEP (Pre-exposure prophylaxis) and TSP (Post-exposure prophylaxis) programs, and ensuring their equal access to testing and information services should be a priority in terms of public health.

Expanding the cooperation of the Republican AIDS Center with the LGBTQI+ community in these trainings and future action plans, as well as special training of outreach workers and social specialists on this topic, can play an important role in preventing the spread of HIV.

Minority Azerbaijan calls on all relevant government agencies, healthcare institutions and non-governmental organizations to strengthen an inclusive and stigma-reducing approach to HIV prevention, while also taking into account the needs of the LGBTQI+ community.

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