Russia has more HIV cases than most of Europe — and it's getting worse

Russian health authorities have called for a major expansion of HIV testing, urging that nearly one-third of the country’s population be screened every year as infections continue to rise.

Health Minister Mikhail Murashko said that increased testing is critical to slowing the spread of the virus, which causes AIDS. He stressed that early detection remains the most effective way to control transmission, especially among high-risk groups.

According to a report by The Moscow Times, Murashko made the remarks during a ministry meeting, where he called for wider screening coverage. “Every third citizen should be tested, with particular attention to at-risk groups,” he said.

Rising infections despite testing

The push for broader testing comes even as Russia records some of the highest HIV testing levels in its history. Data from the country’s consumer health watchdog shows that more than 54 million people, about 37 per cent of the population, were tested in 2024, the highest figure in at least a decade.

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Despite this, infection rates continue to rise. According to the World Health Organization, Russia has around 890 HIV cases per 100,000 people which is significantly higher than many European countries and comparable to some African nations.

Experts say the total number of people living with HIV in Russia rose by 35,000 in 2025, reaching around 1.25 million. Reports warn that infection risks in the country remain high, especially among adults aged 15 to 50.

As per the report, over 1 per cent of people in this age group are infected, with rates rising to about 4 per cent among men aged 40 to 45. Many HIV-positive individuals are not officially registered in the healthcare system, creating a gap between recorded cases and those receiving treatment.

Structural challenges and funding concerns

A separate report by the European AIDS Treatment Group highlights deeper structural problems in Russia’s response to the epidemic. It said reduced state funding, restrictions on foreign support, and pressure on civil society organisations have weakened efforts to control HIV.

The report noted that several international donors, including major global health foundations, have stopped operating in Russia, while local NGOs face difficulties securing funding. This has affected access to testing, treatment, and public awareness programmes.

Treatment gaps

The group also warned that treatment coverage remains inadequate. In 2024, government programmes provided medication to only about 70 per cent of registered patients, and roughly half of all people living with HIV in the country.

Drug shortages are a recurring problem, often leading to interruptions in treatment. In 2024 alone, more than 43,000 people experienced disruptions in their medication. Access to diagnostic tools, including viral load testing, is also limited in several regions.

Experts say the epidemic, once concentrated among high-risk groups, is now spreading to the general population. Data in the report suggests that in several regions, HIV rates among pregnant women have crossed 1 per cent, a key indicator of a wider public health crisis.

The situation has raised concerns that without stronger policies, better funding, and wider access to care, Russia’s HIV epidemic could continue to worsen in the coming years.