Results of epidemiological surveillance of recent HIV infections in the Republic of Tajikistan in 2022

Abstract

Aim. To determine the share of patients with recent HIV infection in order to plan prevention programs.

Materials and methods. Statistical data from all newly identified HIV cases in 2022 were analysed to determine the estimated time of HIV infection using the ELISA method. The study utilised a variety of reporting and medical documentation, including epidemiological records, outpatient medical records of people living with HIV, and data from the laboratory module of the electronic HIV case surveillance system. Statistical analysis of new cases of HIV infection was conducted within the framework of the electronic HIV case surveillance system of Tajikistan.

Results and discussion. In 2022, a total of 1 037 new cases of HIV infection were identified and registered in the Republic of Tajikistan, of whom 975 (94.0%) were aged 18 years or older. A total of 923 persons participated in the study of the timing of HIV infection, representing 94.5% of all newly identified HIV cases among persons aged 18 years and older. The proportion of recent HIV infections among newly identified cases in Tajikistan in 2022 was 18.3%.

Conclusion. Across the country, the proportion of new HIV infections remained at the same level as in 2018, with a slight increase observed in 2022. As in previous years, the highest proportion of recent HIV infections was observed in the Khatlon region (27.3%). A higher proportion of new HIV infections was observed in the under-25 age group (34.9%), which is more than twice as high as in the 25+ age group.