Prague Med. Rep. 2026, 127, 182-196
Biomedical and Epidemiological Factors Influencing Mortality among People Living with HIV in Kyrgyzstan
, Aizhanat Tursunbekova1, Aida Karagulova2, Chynara Baibosova1, Gulbarchyn Jumagulova3
1Department of General Hygiene, I. K. Akhunbaev Kyrgyz State Medical Academy, Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic
2Bishkek City Centre for Control of Haemocontact Infections and HIV, Ministry of Health of the Kyrgyz Republic, Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic
3Republican Centre for Infection Control, National Institute of Public Health, Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic
Received August 1, 2025
Accepted September 8, 2026
The study aimed to analyse the dynamics of mortality among people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) in the Kyrgyz Republic, identify the main factors influencing mortality, and propose ways to improve national programmes aimed at combating HIV and AIDS. The study used the methods of analysis, synthesis, systematisation, induction and deduction. The study examined 2005–2024 government data on geographical inequalities, death reasons, and antiretroviral medication efficacy. The data showed that HIV-positive Kyrgyz people now die at 1.8 per 100,000, down from 5.5. Osh and Jalal-Abad provinces, where up to 58% of drug users inject, have minimal medical care, and severe stigma, had the greatest fatality rates. Tuberculosis was the top cause of mortality (36%), notably among drug injectors, who had a 4.7-fold higher risk. Liver illness killed 12% of people owing to viral hepatitis. From 42% in 2005 to 95% in 2024, antiretroviral therapy coverage considerably lowered mortality and improved prognosis for most patients. HIV mortality was lower in Chui and Issyk-Kul, where treatment is more accessible, than in the south. The findings showed that HIV mortality can be reduced by improving prevention programs, increasing access to antiretroviral medication, and lowering societal stigma, especially among vulnerable groups. The results could improve national HIV/AIDS preventive and treatment programs by boosting access to antiretroviral therapy and addressing regional health service inequities.
Keywords
Antiretroviral therapy, Tuberculosis, Liver cirrhosis, Injecting drugs, Stigma.
References
Copyright
This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License.
