The Situation with HIV Is Critical in the rf

While the kremlin continues to finance the war against Ukraine, and Western sanctions gradually cut off access to resources, an epidemiological disaster is brewing in russia’s regions. With the state spending billions on the army and social programs being cut back, HIV infection is spreading at a catastrophic rate.

Irkutsk region has recorded 611 new cases of infection in the first five months of 2025. The total number of infected people exceeds 31,000. This is one of the highest rates in the country, indicating the chronic failure of the local healthcare system.

In the Republic of Khakassia, the incidence rate has increased by 11 % compared to last year. The proportion of infected people among those aged 50 and older is growing especially rapidly – from 14.7 % to 21.6 %. This trend indicates a complete lack of prevention among older age groups, who remain outside the attention of medical services.

In the Komi Republic, the incidence rate increased by more than 7 % in the first four months of the year. This is yet another sign that the epidemic is spiraling out of control and that the state system cannot cope with basic challenges.

Against the background of mass propaganda, repression of dissidents by the fsb, and religious rhetoric that reduces sex education to the slogan “from school – to maternity ward”, there is virtually no educational activity. In such conditions, sexual transmission remains the main route of HIV transmission. This is a direct consequence of the systemic degradation of institutions that should protect the health of the population.