HUMAN IMMUNODEFICIENCY VIRUS INFECTION: MEDICAL AND BIOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVES

Abstract

Nowadays, venereal diseases and HIV/AIDS remain among the most serious global public health challenges. According to WHO data, more than 39 million people worldwide are living with HIV infection, and over 1.3 million new cases are recorded annually. Specialists recognize AIDS as the first truly global epidemic in human history, since neither plague nor smallpox ever simultaneously affected the entire planet to such an extent. The spread of HIV infection has led to the emergence of serious social, biological, and legal consequences, including restrictions on individual freedom and public health risks. Despite the existence of legal and preventive mechanisms aimed at reducing HIV transmission, their ineffective implementation and lack of accountability among responsible institutions continue to endanger human lives. December 1 is recognized globally as World AIDS Day, emphasizing the necessity of raisingawareness and uniting global efforts against the epidemic. The ongoing increase in HIV incidence, especially in developing regions, highlights the urgent need for improved preventive strategies, enhanced diagnostic screening, and effective educational campaigns. This article examines the current legal and social framework related to HIV prevention in Uzbekistan, identifies several shortcomings in national legislation, and proposes possible solutions to improve the effectiveness of public health and legal responsibility measures. The purpose of the study is to increase public awareness of HIV/AIDS, to highlight its potential global threat, and to strengthen the mechanisms of criminalization and accountability for deliberate HIV transmission.