What is pre-contact HIV prevention, who needs it, and how to obtain it in Kyrgyzstan » Gazeta.kg

Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), also known as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), is one of the modern methods of protection against HIV that has scientific justification. The Ministry of Health's press service provided detailed information on who needs it and how to obtain it in Kyrgyzstan.

Who can benefit from PrEP

This prevention method is recommended for the following categories of people:

those who have difficulty using condoms regularly with casual sexual partners;
individuals with multiple sexual partners;
members of vulnerable population groups;
people whose sexual partners are HIV-positive, if their viral load is unknown or uncontrolled.

How to access PrEP in Kyrgyzstan

The process of obtaining PrEP is simple and quick:

Consultation. Visit the Republican, Bishkek City, or any regional center for the control of bloodborne viral hepatitis and HIV. You can also consult an infectious disease doctor at the Family Medicine Center or the Primary Care Center in your area, as well as at non-profit organizations engaged in HIV prevention.
Testing. Take a free rapid HIV test (PrEP is prescribed only with a negative result).
Consultation. The doctor will suggest the most suitable regimen for taking the medications (daily or "on demand" for certain groups).
Obtaining. The medications are provided free of charge.

It is important to remember:

the service is available for free and confidentially in all regions of the country;
PrEP does not replace condoms, which still protect against most sexually transmitted infections and unwanted pregnancies;
the medications for PrEP cannot cause HIV and are safe under medical supervision;
regular HIV testing is a mandatory condition of the PrEP program.

The significance of PrEP for Kyrgyzstan

Pre-exposure prophylaxis is part of an international strategy aimed at reducing new cases of HIV infection and achieving public health goals. Increasing access to PrEP allows:

to reduce the number of new HIV infections;
to ensure early access to medical care;
to reduce stigma and discrimination;
to protect the health of the population as a whole.

In Kyrgyzstan, HIV prevention activities are carried out by health authorities in collaboration with public organizations with the support of international partners.

Where to get consultation on PrEP

Republican Center for the Control of Bloodborne Viral Hepatitis and HIV (CCBVH and HIV)	Bishkek, Y. Logvinenko St., 8	[email protected]	0312 30 07 54
Bishkek City CCBVH and HIV	Bishkek, Toktogula St., 62, left wing	[email protected]	0312 48 66 17
Osh CCBVH and HIV	Osh, Mominova St., 10/2	[email protected]	03222 5 56 72
Jalal-Abad CCBVH and HIV	Manas, Kurortnaya St., 37	[email protected]	03722 2 31 59
Talas CCBVH and HIV	Talas, Ch. Aitmatov St., 257	[email protected]	03422 5 22 94
Batken CCBVH and HIV	Batken, Razzakova St., 13	[email protected]	03622 5 08 77
Issyk-Kul CCBVH and HIV	Karakol, Eshenova St., 118	[email protected]	03922 5 08 58
Naryn CCBVH and HIV	Naryn, Razzakova St., 1	[email protected]	03522 5 30 54
Chui CCBVH and HIV	Tokmok, Komsomolskaya St., 129	[email protected]	03138 7 40 18

Additional information about PrEP can be obtained from an infectious disease doctor at Family Medicine Centers or at primary care centers, as well as from non-profit organizations engaged in HIV prevention.