“Largest HIV Epidemic In Europe”: 2016 Counts 1 Million In Russia

What is the number? Don't surprise to this question as the population of Russia is facing a crucial situation with the rapidly increasing number of HIV cases. The number is not very small, and only this year, 1 million new cases are added to the previous one.

The New York Times has unveiled some true statistics that show how Russia is suffering from HIV. The statistics reveal almost 850,000 Russians carry the HIV, and the country has already witnessed the death of 220,000 Russians since the late 1980s.

Even Vadim Pokrovsky, long time head of the Moscow-based Federal Aids Center has admitted that at least 500,000 HIV cases have left undiagnosed.

The number constitutes almost 1 percent of Russia's total population of 143 million. According to Mr. Vadim Pokrovsky, the number of HIV cases is increasing by about 10 percent a year. The current year has already witnessed 100,000 new cases that mean 275 new cases are emerging on a regular basis.

The number is so large that it can be easily said as the "largest HIV epidemic in Europe". It also acquires "the highest rate of infection globally".

The most surprising fact is a thin line of battle persists between the current government of Russia and the N.G.O.s that are involved in combating the HIV.

 Justice Ministry of Russia has already blackballed a number of N.G.O.s, which receive the foreign grant.

The current Government plan that was released in October is devoid of addressing the key issues, which includes proper monetary funding to combat HIV/AIDS.

Though one sign of progress also appears as Svetlana Medvedeva, wife of the Russian prime minister is promoting an advertisement to reduce the problem.

According to the World Health Organization or WHO at least 90 percent of the H.I.V.-positive patients should get the antiviral drugs, but in Russia the number is too low. Only 37 percent people receive the treatment.

The UNAIDS regional director for Eastern Europe and Central Asia, P. Saldanha opines that the prevention programs are not sufficient to eradicate the problem.  

Another major problem is the Russian Orthodox Church and the Russian Government both sides are not ready to allow the sex education for children.

Now it is a very clear fact that Russia is standing on the verge of a crucial point. To eradicate the stigma of H.I.V. the country surely needs a proper plan and program that can offer a stigma-free society to the next generation.