Experts warn of rising HIV risks in Russia; Tajikistan reviews prevention

Health experts are raising alarms over a potential resurgence of HIV infections in Russia, with some linking the trend to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Reports suggest that the epidemic may be spreading on a new scale within the country.

In Tajikistan, while health officials maintain that the domestic HIV situation remains stable, they acknowledge a growing concern regarding labor migrants. These individuals, who frequently travel to and from Russia, are increasingly contributing to the number of newly detected HIV cases within Tajikistan. This trend has prompted a closer examination of the country's preventive strategies.

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HIV goes to war, multiplies in the trenches, and returns to Russia on a new scale. We are witnessing a hidden resurgence of the epidemic.

Russian medical experts have noted that infectious diseases, including HIV, appear to be multiplying amidst the prolonged military engagement. Despite regulations that should disqualify individuals with HIV from military service, reports indicate that infected personnel are still participating in combat. Data from a Russian military publication suggests a significant increase in registered HIV cases among military personnel in late 2023 compared to pre-war periods.

Further complicating the situation, there is an observed rise in HIV-positive pregnant women in several Russian regions, which experts believe could signal a broader spread beyond traditional high-risk groups. Health specialists emphasize the need for targeted measures to facilitate early detection and ensure timely access to antiretroviral therapy for affected populations. The situation in Russia has led to renewed focus on strengthening preventive measures in neighboring countries like Tajikistan, particularly concerning mobile populations.

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Analysis of HIV cases detected over the past decade shows that the largest number of new infections is identified among contacts of people living with HIV, individuals tested for clinical reasons, and labor migrants.