Harm reduction saves the lives of millions: will Eastern Europe take the chance? Andriy Klepikov, Intenational HIV/AIDS Alliance in Ukraine 24 th of June, Copenhagen, ESOF 2014
UNAIDS data, 2014 Where HIV is growing? Geographical Area New infections Sub-Saharan Africa Middle East and North Africaincrease Caribbean Latin America Eastern Europe and Central Asiaincrease East Asiaincrease South and South-East Asia
Where HIV is growing? Geographical Area New infections Sub-Saharan Africa Middle East and North Africa Caribbean Latin America Eastern Europe and Central Asia East Asia South and South-East Asia UNAIDS data, 2014
Registered HIV cases in 2013 (absolute numbers)
Russia and Ukraine: two approaches, based on different drug policies CountryEstimated number of PWID Harm reduction services coverage Number of OST patients Russia (1,6%)0 Ukraine (66%)8 175 Two evidence-based key interventions are nearly absent in Russia: Syringe exchange available at very limited scale – to 1,6% of those in need, despite recommended coverage of 60%. Opioid substitution therapy is prohibited
OST serves as a bridge to anti-retroviral treatment(ART) ART adherence among different patient groups 2013 data, Ukraine
HIV Epidemic Trends in Ukraine vs. Russia RUSSIA
Fight against the science: Russian influence through politics,intervention and annexation
Russian authorities cut over 800 OST patients from vital medical services. As of today it has led to closure of OST in Crimea. Such cut is classified as tortures. It has resulted in over 20 deaths!
Fight against the science: Russian influence through politics, intervention and annexation What is the major reason to disagree with the science? Ideology? Prejudices? Or business interests? Methadone based treatment undermines illegal drug business. Thanks for the OST programs in total over $31 million was under- received by illegal drug business in Ukraine in This figure should be 10 times more in Russia...but it is zero. Russia policies indirectly keep feeding the illegal drug business.
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