Today, May 21, is International AIDS Day of Remembrance. On this day, we remember those who died because of the epidemic - to honor the memory, but also to raise awareness of the general public about the dangers of HIV/AIDS.
In Russia, the HIV treatment situation is particularly dire, and this day serves as an important reminder that we all still have a lot of work to do to ensure proper care and treatment for all who need it.
According to official WHO information alone, there are more than 1 million people living with HIV in Russia. Although access to antiretroviral therapy (ART) has increased in recent years, there is still a significant gap between those who need treatment and those who have access to it. In addition, there are still significant barriers to accessing health services for people living with HIV/AIDS due to stigma and discrimination. In Russian prisons, it is especially difficult for prisoners to achieve modern and timely treatment, in most correctional institutions there is often no infectious disease specialist and therapist, the current treatment is carried out by a doctor with the education of junior medical personnel.
Today we draw the attention of the world community to the critical situation of foreigners held in temporary detention facilities for foreign citizens (TsVSIG) in Russia. These persons are not allowed access to ARV therapy or other necessary medical procedures due to the legal prohibition to provide treatment to foreign citizens. This means that they are effectively denied basic human rights and are at risk of dying from complications associated with advanced HIV infection and lack of access to health care.
Despite the challenges associated with active fighting in Ukraine, there are ways for people living with HIV/AIDS to get treatment/avoid treatment interruptions. The Ukrainian government has taken steps to improve access to ART and HIV treatment, including increased funding for HIV/AIDS services and programs, additional training for medical and social workers, and providing free testing to those at risk of infection.
Also, social workers can help with the delivery of ARV therapy, and if a person has changed their place of residence in Ukraine or cannot get medicines on their own, there is a service for sending drugs by “Nova Poshta” (parcel delivery service). The exception is the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine, the situation of people forced to interrupt vital treatment due to the war remains difficult.
Moreover, a system of access to HIV treatment has been developed for foreign citizens staying in Ukraine: such people can contact the nearest service organization, which will redirect or escort them to a specialized medical facility to receive ARVT therapy. Foreigners who plan/stay in Ukraine for a long time or on a permanent basis have the right to issue a temporary or permanent medical card, and can also sign a declaration with a family doctor.
Free and qualified medical care is also available in one of the many mobile outpatient clinics. In addition, many international organizations have been supporting care and support programs for people living with HIV/AIDS in Ukraine for many years.
Today, on International AIDS Day, we want to remind you that we all need to do much more to ensure that all people living with HIV/AIDS have access to the treatment and care they need. UnMode human rights activists continue to fight in courts for human rights, including the right to access life-saving treatment, regardless of citizenship, immigration status or social status of a person.