Why do HIV cases keep rising in Russia?

News

Why do HIV cases keep rising in Russia?

15 January 2013

The UN says more than one million people or about one in every 100 people are living with HIV – the virus that causes AIDS – in Russia.

The latest official figures show that about 200 new cases are being recorded every single day.

The main source for 60 percent of new infections is dirty needles used to inject drugs. Russia has one of the worst heroin problems in the world.

HIV is spreading five times faster in Russia than the global average, with Ukraine and Russia accounting for 90 percent of the region's cases.

This documentary by Al Jazeera documents how Russia plans to stem the rise in HIV.

For read the full article pleaseclick here.

Keep up-to-date with drug policy developments by subscribing to the IDPC Monthly Alert.