In early August, RKI colleagues from Unit 34 met with collaborating partners in Kyrgyzstan to implement two scientific studies on viral hepatitis and HIV as part of the GHPP project Scale-Up HIVHEP. The week began with a project kick-off meeting with all national partners at the Kyrgyz Public Health Institute in Bishkek and a workshop on the Burden of Disease (BoD) due to hepatitis hosted by Unit 24.

The HIV study sets out to improve knowledge on modes of transmission of HIV in Kyrgyzstan and to investigate transmission trends in the general population as well as key populations with higher risk of exposure in the period 2021–2023. Currently, the reported proportion of new HIV diagnoses in the heterosexual population is comparatively high and the proportions of HIV transmission through intravenous drug use and sex between men are low. However, there is a great stigma in these at-risk groups to disclose the suspected route of HIV transmission. In collaboration with national partners, stakeholders, and representatives from the community, information on sexual behaviours and drug consumption will be collected from people living with HIV (PLHIV). During visits in Bishkek and Chui region, details of the study were discussed with study personnel, and training of the interviewers took place. Understanding and highlighting key modes of transmission of HIV is important to address stigma and risk behaviour and improve prevention in Kyrgyzstan.

The viral hepatitis study will estimate the fractions of cirrhosis and liver cancer that are attributable to hepatitis B, C, and D. In Kyrgyzstan, the number of chronic hepatitis cases is high, and infections with hepatitis B and D in particular are responsible for large proportions of disease morbidity. National and local partners will collect retrospective and prospective data on viral hepatitis test results among cirrhosis and liver cancer patients in order to calculate the attributable fraction of hepatitis infections in these diseases. During visits of six study sites in Bishkek, Osh and Jalalabad, the study and data collection methods were discussed with local study staff, and the data collection tool was adapted accordingly. This study will highlight the need for improved surveillance of viral hepatitis and associated mortality and emphasize the importance of prevention and timely access to testing and treatment.