Epidemiological surveillance of HIV cases in the Republic of Tajikistan

Objective. Characteristics of patients with recent HIV infection for planning prevention programs.

Materials and methods. Statistical data on all newly identified HIV cases during 2022 were analyzed, taking into account the results of the study to determine the duration of HIV infection using the ELISA method. The accounting records (case investigation forms), as well as outpatient cards of HIV-infected patients and the laboratory part of the electronic HIV case tracking system were used. Statistical analysis of data on recent cases of HIV infection were carried out in the electronic HIV case tracking system in Tajikistan.

Results. In total, 1037 new cases of HIV infection were identified and registered in the Republic of Tajikistan in 2022. Among those infected, 975 (94.0%) patiets were 18 years of age and older. The study on the duration of HIV infection involved 923 patients, which accounted for 94.5% of all newly identified HIV-infected patients aged 18 years and older. The proporton of early cases of HIV infection among newly identified cases of HIV infection in 2022 was 18.3%. The highest rates, as in previous years, were identified in the Khatlon region (27.3%). 34.9% of early HIV cases were identified in the age group under 25 years, which was more than 2 times higher than in the age group of 25 years and older.

Conclusion. In general, the proportion of early HIV cases in the country remains at the 2018 level with a slight increase in 2022. When planning preventive measures, it is necessary to take into account the results of the study on the duration of HIV infection among certain groups of the population.