UN Secretary-General's Special Envoy for HIV / AIDS plans to visit Kyrgyzstan

Special Envoy of the UN Secretary- General for HIV / AIDS in Eastern Europe and Central Asia Michel Kazatchkine plans to visit Kyrgyzstan in the fall.

«The problem of our region, and of Kyrgyzstan in particular, is that many people with HIV are not aware of their status, because they are either afraid of testing, or are afraid of subsequent discrimination. The second problem is inadequate access to treatment. We say that one hundred percent of people with HIV infection should be treated, and access in the region (and in Kyrgyzstan too) is only about 20 percent," he said.

Today, if you are a young person and have HIV infection, but you are taking medications, then you will have a perfectly normal life. Therefore, it is very important to get to know about your status early and get access to the drugs.

Michel Kazatchkine

Michel Kazatchkine listed a number of problems in the field of HIV / AIDS. This is a late diagnosis, insufficient access to treatment and prevention, misunderstanding of the situation in society and in Parliament.

«I have several times met with members of your Parliament — both in Bishkek four years ago and in Geneva two years ago. Many do not understand the problem and believe that people with HIV are themselves to blame. And there is no understanding that they need solidarity, help and treatment. Keeping their health, we will preserve the health of the whole society," Michel Kazatchkine said.

«I do not know what kind of mood your Parliament has right now, but I’m going to come to Kyrgyzstan in September-October. We are working on this. And I hope that then the issue will move forward," the Special Envoy of the UN Secretary-General added.