Work continues in Kyrgyzstan to strengthen preventive measures against HIV infection. An important direction of this work is pre-exposure prophylaxis, also known as PrEP.
This method involves the intake of antiretroviral drugs by people who do not have HIV, with the aim of minimizing the risk of infection. With regular and correct use, the probability of virus transmission is reduced by more than 90% during sexual contacts.
PrEP is recommended for individuals at increased risk. This includes people who have multiple sexual partners, have difficulty using condoms with irregular partners, belong to vulnerable populations, or are in relationships with HIV-positive individuals if their viral load is unknown or not controlled.
In Kyrgyzstan, access to this service can be obtained for free and anonymously. To do this, one must undergo an express HIV test, after which a doctor will determine the most suitable regimen for taking the medication—daily or "on demand" for specific groups. The medications are provided free of charge; however, regular testing is mandatory as part of the program.
The Ministry of Health emphasizes that PrEP does not replace the use of condoms, which still protect against most sexually transmitted infections as well as unwanted pregnancies. The medications are considered safe when appropriate medical supervision is in place and do not cause HIV.
The use of pre-exposure prophylaxis aligns with international standards for reducing new cases of HIV and improving public health. Expanding access to PrEP promotes earlier medical assistance seeking, reduces stigma, and increases the level of protection among the population.
Consultations on pre-exposure prophylaxis can be obtained at specialized medical institutions across the country. In Bishkek, the Republican Center for the Control of Hematogenous Viral Hepatitis and HIV operates at 8 Y. Logvinenko Street, phone: 0312 30 07 54, and the Bishkek City Center is located at 62 Toktogul Street, left wing, phone: 0312 48 66 17.
In Osh, the center is located at 10/2 Mominova Lane, phone: 03222 5 56 72. In the Jalal-Abad region, one can contact the city of Manas, 37 Kurortnaya Street, phone: 03722 2 31 59.
Residents of the Talas region can access consultations at the center located at 257 Ch. Aitmatov Street, phone: 03422 5 22 94, and in the Batken region at 13 Razzakov Street, phone: 03622 5 08 77.
In the Issyk-Kul region, the center is located in Karakol at 118 Eshenova Street, phone: 03922 5 08 58, and in the Naryn region at 1 Razzakov Street, phone: 03522 5 30 54.
Residents of the Chui region can contact the center in Tokmok at 129 Komsomolskaya Street, phone: 03138 7 40 18.
Additional information can be obtained from infectious disease specialists at Family Medicine Centers or General Practice Centers in the area of residence, as well as from non-profit organizations engaged in HIV prevention. Information is also available on the official website and in the mobile application "Health +".
