On World AIDS Day 2023, UNDP Kyrgyzstan commemorates the progress made in HIV-related initiatives, made possible through our collaborations with the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria, the Cabinet of Ministers, and civil society partners.

Since 2011, UNDP has partnered with the Government of Kyrgyzstan and civil society organizations to end HIV and tuberculosis through the successful implementation of five grants from the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, with a total budget of US$ 146 million from 2011-2023.

These joint efforts between UNDP and the Ministry of Health of Kyrgyzstan have played a pivotal role in stabilizing the HIV epidemic, saving lives from tuberculosis, and ensuring affordable access to essential medications. Notably, access to HIV prevention services has substantially increased, especially among key populations. From 2011 to 2022, the number of individuals receiving HIV prevention services surged from 20,000 to over 40,000.

We want to emphasize the vital role played by key populations, including communities of people living with HIV, people who use drugs, sex workers, and men who have sex with men, in our quest to end the AIDS epidemic. By providing these communities with essential treatment, services, and support, we empower them to exercise their fundamental right to health.

UNDP efforts are primarily concentrated on strengthening Kyrgyzstan healthcare system and preparing it to confront new challenges and pandemics. Our UNDP Global Procurement System has enabled access to some of the most advanced drugs for HIV and tuberculosis treatment. In 2022, we facilitated access to more affordable medicines and medical equipment, resulting in a cost saving of $29 million, which was reinvested into the national health system. A robust infrastructure and skilled healthcare workforce are instrumental in the success of our HIV response.

While much progress has been achieved, there remains significant work ahead. According to data from the National Centre for the Control of Hematologic Viral Hepatitis and HIV, as of October 1, 2023, 13,030 cases of HIV have been officially registered in Kyrgyzstan. Presently, 80 per cent of people living with HIV in Kyrgyzstan are aware of their HIV status. However, 20 per cent have not yet been reached by prevention programs. Over 90 percent of all new HIV cases in 2023 were sexually transmitted.

Our mission moving forward is to expand testing programs among key groups and the general population, enhance laboratory diagnostics, and ensure the delivery of high-quality, professional healthcare and social services to all people in need.

We anticipate that our partnership with the Ministry of Health will endure in the upcoming grant cycle of the Global Fund, with the aim of achieving the global 95-95-95 targets by 2026 and ending the AIDS epidemic by 2030.