Onishchenko Says Russia Faces No Risk of New HIV Epidemic

Dragon Media News Desk

Russia is not at risk of a new HIV epidemic, according to Gennady Onishchenko, an epidemiologist and member of the Russian Academy of Sciences.

Speaking to the Russian news agency TASS, Onishchenko said federal budget funding had been allocated for the treatment of people living with HIV and that domestic production of the required medicines had been established.

He said the availability of treatment, medicines and state funding meant there were no conditions for an uncontrolled spread of HIV in Russia. However, he stressed that prevention measures, timely testing and continuous treatment must be maintained.

Onishchenko said the United Nations’ warning about the possibility of a new global HIV epidemic was not without grounds.

He noted that the risk was particularly serious in lower-income countries that lack sufficient public funding, developed healthcare systems and reliable access to medicines.

Onishchenko called on wealthier countries to provide financial support for HIV treatment in countries with weak healthcare infrastructure.

He said national efforts alone were not sufficient to control HIV globally and emphasised the need for international cooperation in ensuring access to medicines, treatment and healthcare services.