The Ministry of Health of Kyrgyzstan continues to develop preventive measures against HIV infection by implementing modern and scientifically grounded approaches. One such method is pre-exposure prophylaxis, known as PrEP.
This prevention involves the use of antiretroviral drugs by people who do not have HIV, aimed at preventing infection. When used regularly and correctly, this method can reduce the risk of virus transmission by more than 90% during sexual contact.
PrEP is recommended for individuals at increased risk. This includes those who face difficulties in consistently using condoms with casual partners, have multiple sexual partners, belong to vulnerable groups, or are in relationships with an HIV-positive person if their viral load is unknown or uncontrolled.
In Kyrgyzstan, this service can be obtained for free and confidentially. To do this, one must undergo free rapid HIV testing, after which a doctor will select the optimal regimen for taking the medications—daily or "on demand" for specific population groups. The medications are provided free of charge, and regular testing is a mandatory condition of the program.
The Ministry of Health emphasizes that PrEP does not replace condoms, which continue to provide protection against most sexually transmitted infections as well as unwanted pregnancies. The medications are considered safe under medical supervision and cannot cause HIV.
The use of pre-exposure prophylaxis aligns with international strategies to reduce new cases of HIV and strengthen public health. Increasing access to PrEP promotes early medical consultation, reduces stigma, and enhances the level of protection for the population.
Consultations on pre-exposure prophylaxis can be obtained at specialized centers located throughout the country. In Bishkek, the Republican Center for the Control of Bloodborne Viral Hepatitis and HIV is located at: 8 Y. Logvinenko St., phone: 0312 30 07 54, as well as the Bishkek City Center at 62 Toktogul St., left wing, phone: 0312 48 66 17.
In Osh, the center is located at: 10/2 Mominova St., phone: 03222 5 56 72. In the Jalal-Abad region, it is in the city of Manas, 37 Kurortnaya St., phone: 03722 2 31 59.
Residents of the Talas region can contact the center at 257 Ch. Aitmatov St., phone: 03422 5 22 94, and in the Batken region at 13 Razzakov St., phone: 03622 5 08 77.
In the Issyk-Kul region, the center is located in Karakol at 118 Eshenova St., phone: 03922 5 08 58, and in the Naryn region at 1 Razzakov St., phone: 03522 5 30 54.
Residents of the Chui region can seek consultation at the center in Tokmok at 129 Komsomolskaya St., phone: 03138 7 40 18.
Additional information can be obtained from infectious disease specialists at Family Medicine Centers or General Practice Centers in the place of residence, as well as from non-profit organizations engaged in HIV prevention. Information is also available on the website and in the mobile application "Health +".
