HIV/AIDS

HIV/AIDS in Russia

The HIV/AIDS epidemic is increasingly threatening young people and combating the virus is now a high priority.

Almost 100 new cases of HIV are registered every day
It is estimated that 1,2% of adults are HIV-positive
80% of those infected are 15-30 years old
43% of all newly registered HIV cases are women of childbearing age

Fighting the Stigma
Fighting the stigma and discrimination associated with HIV is the best way to help affected children integrate into the social mainstream. All of us, including teachers and care givers, need basic education to overcome fears and dispel misconceptions about HIV to help create an environment less tainted by discrimination against HIV-affected children and further their inclusion in mainstream education. In 2007, UNICEF plans to expand public awareness building on the success of media campaigns in 2004 and 2006.

Prevention of HIV transmission from mother to child (PMTCT)
PMTCT interventions can allow an HIV-positive mother to have a healthy child in almost 99 of 100 cases. UNICEF works closely with the Ministry of Health and the Federal
Children's Centre for HIV Prevention and Treatment to eliminate HIV in infants and improve quality of care, treatment and support to those in need. Training programmes have prepared over 500 health care workers in PMTCT and anti-retroviral treatment of HIV-infected children. Though this is but a fraction of the needs.

Protection, care and support
Pilot projects in the Chelyabinsk and Orenburg regions promote a comprehensive approach to PMTCT and care and support to HIV-affected women and children by building better referral systems between prenatal and maternity facilities, AIDS centres and social services. Over 200 social workers and volunteers, including women living with HIV, have been trained to work with HIV-affected families and in peer-support groups.

Equipment
Health, social, and educational facilities in these two regions also receive equipment, toys and developmental games to provide services to children in a friendly environment. Overall, annually about 1,000 children born to HIV-positive mothers are receiving better health care and social support.

Oleg Gazmanov: I care for every child

This booklet (PDF, 2.4 MB; in Russian) helps to raise awareness about children affected by HIV/AIDS.