The HIV infection situation in the Russian Federation

Aim. To evaluate current trends in the development of an epidemic process of HIV infection in Russia. Materials and methods. Case report forms entering the Federal Research Methodology Center for AIDS Prevention and Control of the Central Research Institute of Epidemiology, Russian Inspectorate for the Protection of Consumer Rights and Human Welfare, were analyzed. Results. In Russia, the HIV epidemic is on the rise; both the absolute number of people with HIV infection and its rate in the population are increasing. Compared with 2000, there is a shift of the epidemic to older age groups (30-40 years); there are increases in the proportion of women among new HIV-infected cases and in the number of babies born to HIV-positive mothers. Injection drug use remains a major risk factor for HIV transmission; the number of people infected through heterosexual intercourse continues to rise every year. Conclusion. The main reason for a more widespread HIV epidemic is the very low coverage of both vulnerable groups and the general population with prevention programs.