AIDS in Ukraine
Right at the border of the European Union, the HIV epidemic in Ukraine threatens to get out of control with a half-million people infected in a population of just over 46 million. One in every 66 adults is now testing HIV-positive, more than anywhere else in Europe.
According to UNAIDS, Ukraine presents “a vivid example of how swiftly an HIV epidemic can move beyond most at-risk populations and into the general population”. Besides drug users, sex workers and homosexual men, young heterosexual women now also run a greater risk.
The epidemic is at a critical point. Destructive youth culture, lacking government capacity, corruption and a huge taboo on HIV/AIDS all prevent urgent measures are taken.
Will the Ukraine become the springboard for AIDS to Western Europe?
For more information please visit: Robert Knoth
