During pandemic Kosovo is not doing HIV tests

This is said of Radio Free Europe, Alban Gjonbalaj, leader of the Kosovo Association of People living with HIV in Kosovo, which is at the same time affected by this virus.

Infectologist Murat Mehmeti, who deals with HIV-infected persons at the Infectious Clinic, acknowledged that there has been an impasse over routine tests, but believes that this will change in December, depending on the epidemic situation.

What stopped us so far is that if the tests are delayed, it's not trouble. They are more at risk if they come to the clinic, where there are already consigned with Coronavirus”, Mehmeti says.

According to him, HIV sufferers have not needed hospitalization during the pandemic, while those confirmed with HIV have been supplied with therapies they use at home.

There have been no problems, said Mehmeti.

The procedure for conducting HIV tests is done through the Infectious Clinic at the National Institute of Public Health in Kosovo.

Microbiologist from this institute, Xhevat Jakupi, said the laboratory is available and ready for analysis, but adds that the Infectious Clinic has not sent samples due to overload.

“Have not been able to collect samples from persons living with HIV. We are ready as Institut and the lab is available and there's material to do the work”, he said.

Alban Gjonbalaj says recent HIV tests were conducted in March, when no cases were recorded.

There was a “There was treatment, but there was a kind of alarm we could be left without therapy. But fortunately, it has become a supply, and we have not lacked drugs. Currently, we don't have some kind of medicine, and I believe we'll soon be supplied”, says Gjonbalaj.

“We hope to improve the situation with the pandemic, since the pandemic has taken on the importance of disease and our problem has been like under a shadow”, he added.

HIV continues to be the global health problem, which according to the World Health Organization (OBSH) has claimed nearly 33 million lives so far, while 38 million people live with it. Thanks to effective therapy and treatment, HIV infection has become the most manageable chronic situation. This virus attacks the immune system and weakens human protection against many infections and certain types of cancer.

Currently, 40 people identified with this virus live in Kosovo, while the first case was reported in 1986.

HIV should not be ignored because of pandemic

European Center for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) and O The BSH on November 26th has called for more HIV testing, as many people infected with this virus, which causes A disease. IDS, they're being diagnosed too late. This is especially so in Eastern Europe and Central Asia, according to these organizations. According to the ECDC, late diagnosis contributes to the continued transmission of HIV and prevents infected people from receiving treatment that could save their lives.

ECDC Director Andrea Ammon said countries should not ignore other issues like HIV/ AIDS due to COVID-19 pandemic.

“An early diagnosis of HIV is an urgent priority”, she said.

HIV and COVID-19 positive in Kosovo

Otherwise, two people with HIV/ AIDS is infected with coronarys. So say the infected people in the country, one of whom has been extended to the Infectious Clinics of the University Clinical Center, while the other has been treated at home at doctors' recommendation.

One of them is Berat (the true identity of which is known for editing), who in May has resulted positive with COVID-19.

He relates how difficult it has been to cope with COVID-19, even being infected with HIV.

When I realized I was infected with coronary, I was reminded of the fear I had when I realized about HIV infection. Then another fear began, if I was infecting my family, since I was at home the whole time”, he said.

The beginning must have been exhausting, painful all over the body, loss of taste and smell, which was an unpleasant feeling. I've been fed by not enjoying food. And this has contributed to the loss of weight, normally. But, which has not had any consequences, let's say, although I also live with HIV”, he added.

Executive Director U NAIDS, Winnie Boynyina, in her message for World AIDS Day, called for communities to be strengthened, adding that as the world is fighting COVID-19, it cannot make a mistake, putting aside the fight against it. HIV, after adding that millions of people in developing countries die while awaiting treatment.

She added that by far over 12 million people are waiting to receive treatment for the HIV virus, therefore Byynynina said that this is why UNAIDS “has been a powerful option for the anti-cronavirus vaccine”.