Over the first six months of this year, 501 new cases of HIV/AIDS have been registered in Tajikistan, which is 86 cases fewer than in the same period last year, the Minister of Health and Social Protection of the Population, Jamoliddin Abdullozoda, told reporters in Dushanbe on August 5.
In 2023, there were 1,100 recorded cases of HIV infection. Currently, more than 12,000 people living with HIV reside in the country, the minister noted.
Since 1991, Tajikistan has recorded a total of 16,630 HIV cases, out of which 4,501 people have died.
The minister noted an increase in the number of people undergoing laboratory tests for HIV/AIDS, with over 265,000 people tested over the same six-month period.
Additionally, Tajikistan is sharing information on HIV/AIDS cases with international colleagues.
Discrimination of HIV sufferers in Tajikistan
In Tajikistan, 94% of people living with HIV hide their HIV status because of discrimination in society and even within their families.
People living with HIV often face stigmatization from society. Discrimination reportedly comes in many forms: race, gender, age, and religion.
There is also direct discrimination – when a person comes to the doctor and they refuse to accept him after finding out about his status.
Fear of being judged and labelled forces people with HIV to hide their status, refuse to participate in social activities and limit their social circle. It leads to loneliness, depression and social isolation – negatively affecting their mental and physical health.
About 70 percent of people living with HIV in Tajikistan feel ashamed of their status – it is a manifestation of internal stigmatization.
Tajikistan's new law “On Equality and Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination” penalizes any manifestation of discrimination.
