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Spread of AIDS Increasing, Threatens General Population
More than 2,700 Russian babies were born to HIV-positive mothers last year, a 230 percent increase over 2001. This indicates that the AIDS virus in Russia may be spreading from high-risk groups such as commercial sex workers and intravenous drug users, into the general population.An estimated 2 percent of Russia’s population – approximately 1.5 million people – is believed to be infected with HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. With more than 50,000 new infections in 2002, the nation has one of the highest new infection rates in the world. In fact, some estimates indicate that as many as 8 million Russians or 10 percent of the population could be infected by 2010.
While Russia has passed national legislation regarding AIDS prevention, care and support, treatment for HIV and related infections remains limited while employment and education opportunities all but disappear for those who are known to carry the virus.
World Vision and UNICEF currently plan to partner in establishing a HIV/AIDS center in Grozny in Chechnya and Ingushetia.
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