HIV fight service in Azerbaijan

A specialized diagnostic laboratory for combating the disease caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) (HIV infection) was established in 1987 at the Scientific Research Institute of Hematology in the Republic of Azerbaijan. In the same year, the first case of the disease was detected in a foreign citizen from the African continent.

In 1988, the second HIV diagnostic laboratory was launched on the basis of the Republican Center for Hygiene and Epidemiology. This laboratory formed the basis of the Center for Combating and Preventing Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS), established by the order of the Ministry of Health dated 17.11.1989.

The first Azerbaijani citizen infected with HIV was registered in 1992 in Baku. Later, due to the increase in the number of patients in other regions of the country, HIV diagnostic laboratories were established in 10 regions.

In order to strengthen control over HIV diagnostic laboratories in the regions and coordinate their work with the Center, the Ministry of Health signed an order dated 11.03.2011. By this order, these laboratories were transferred to the Republican Center.

As part of the Global Fund’s assistance project, 47 voluntary HIV testing and counseling centers and 5 regional antiretroviral therapy centers have been established at local medical institutions to combat AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria.

In addition, 12 mobile Voluntary Examination and Consultation Centers were established by the order of the Ministry of Health dated 17.10.2011 to ensure access to examination of people at high risk of HIV infection.

As the main institution of the Ministry of Health, the Republican Center for AIDS Control organizes measures against HIV-epidemic both independently and methodologically, regulates them according to the degree of impact of the disease and monitors their implementation.