Infectious disease specialist Dzhamal Rizvanov from the Prevention Department of the Republican Center for Infectious Diseases has highlighted the primary danger of HIV: its ability to progress asymptomatically for many years.

"Symptoms may appear five, six or even more years after initial infection. This is the virus's most insidious feature: during all that time, an individual, unaware of their status, can remain a carrier and transmit it to others" the expert emphasized.

Rizvanov also reminded the public about free and confidential testing widely accessible across the republic. Anonymous testing centers operate not only in Makhachkala but also in other cities and district centers throughout the republic. Anyone can have their blood tested and learn their HIV status while maintaining complete anonymity.