The Ministry of Health of Kyrgyzstan continues to work on improving HIV infection prevention, focusing on modern and proven methods. One such method is pre-exposure prophylaxis, known as PrEP.
This approach involves the use of antiretroviral drugs by people who are not infected with HIV to prevent infection. If the medication is taken regularly and according to recommendations, the likelihood of virus transmission is reduced by more than 90% during sexual contact.
PrEP is recommended for people at high risk of infection, including those with multiple sexual partners, those who have difficulty using condoms with non-regular partners, or those in relationships with an HIV-positive person whose viral load is unknown or uncontrolled.
In Kyrgyzstan, access to these services is free and confidential. To start, one must undergo rapid HIV testing, after which the doctor will suggest the optimal regimen for taking the medications: daily or "on demand" for certain population groups. The medications are provided free of charge, and regular testing remains a mandatory element of the program.
The Ministry of Health emphasizes that PrEP does not replace the use of condoms, which still protect against most sexually transmitted infections as well as unwanted pregnancies. The medications are safe under medical supervision and cannot cause HIV.
The implementation of pre-exposure prophylaxis aligns with international strategies to reduce new HIV cases and improve public health. Increasing access to PrEP promotes early medical assistance, reduces stigma, and enhances the level of protection for the population.
Consultations on pre-exposure prophylaxis are available at specialized medical centers throughout Kyrgyzstan. In Bishkek, you can contact the Republican Center for the Control of Hematogenous Viral Hepatitis and HIV at: 8 Y. Logvinenko St., phone: 0312 30 07 54, or the Bishkek City Center at 62 Toktogul St., left wing, phone: 0312 48 66 17.
In Osh, the center is located at 10/2 Mominova St., phone: 03222 5 56 72, and in the Jalal-Abad region — in Manas, 37 Kurortnaya St., phone: 03722 2 31 59.
For residents of the Talas region, consultations are available at the center located at 257 Ch. Aitmatov St., phone: 03422 5 22 94, and in the Batken region — at 13 Razzakov St., phone: 03622 5 08 77.
In the Issyk-Kul region, the center is located in Karakol at 118 Eshenova St., phone: 03922 5 08 58, and in the Naryn region — at 1 Razzakov St., phone: 03522 5 30 54.
Residents of the Chui region can seek help at the center in Tokmok, 129 Komsomolskaya St., phone: 03138 7 40 18.
Additional information can be obtained from an infectious disease specialist at Family Medicine Centers or General Practice Centers in your area, as well as from non-profit organizations engaged in HIV prevention. Information is also available on the website and in the mobile application "Health +".
