Insights on HIV Infection in Abkhazia: Trends and Prevention Strategies by Natella Topuria, Head Physician

2023-08-10 20:08:00

Natella Topuria, Head Physician of the Republican Skin and Veterinary Dispensary and AIDS Center of Abkhazia, spoke regarding the number of HIV-infected people in Abkhazia and the prevailing modes of transmission over the past few years.

“Today, there are over 1,500 HIV-infected people in the AIDS Center. If you look at the statistics for the last three years, then newly identified primary infected people are from 60 to 80 people, ”she said.

According to Topuria, there has been no increase in the number of infected people in the country over the past three years.

“More than 600 people who take drugs for life receive antiviral therapy on a regular basis. After the initial infection is detected in a patient, he is registered, we conduct an examination according to WHO recommendations, and then we begin therapy, ”the Apsny Iakhia doctor quotes.

According to Topuria, therapy for HIV-infected patients is recommended on an ongoing basis.

“Thanks to the prescribed drugs, patients feel good, the viral load drops to zero, they are as non-infectious as possible. Accordingly, immunity increases, and they feel normal in society, ”she said.

As Natella Topuria noted, the infection is mainly transmitted through the blood, sexually and from mother to fetus.

“Until 2023, the injection route of transmission prevails. This year, while the sexual way prevails, at the end of the year, statistics will show a more accurate picture, ”she said.

According to Topuria, due to the fact that this year there are a lot of visitors, people of different nationalities, therefore, there is a high risk of an increase in cases of HIV infection.

“All pregnant women are tested twice for HIV hepatitis, and if an HIV-infected pregnant woman is detected, then she must drink drugs to prevent HIV infection in order for a healthy baby to be born. This year there are no HIV-infected children, but in general they are registered, ”summed up Topuria.

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