Approximately 80% of HIV-positive people in Russia acquired HIV from IDU-related activities and a high proportion are likely to need ARVs.

A poster reported on two research projects on accessibility of ARV treatment for drug users.

One research project from 2007 focused on low quality of drug dependence treatment as an impediment to users’ access to ART. Documentation was carried out in four Russian cities and included interviews with 60 IDUs, over a dozen of whom were living with HIV and AIDS. The other study is an ongoing monitoring of access to hepatitis C, HIV and tuberculosis treatment in 20 Russian regions.

The research revealed: problems with procurement and distribution of ART in Russia; a lack of important diagnostic tests; lack of treatment for opportunistic infections; and discriminatory attitudes by health care providers that have in effect denied treatment to drug users in need. They reported lack of clear government support for harm reduction programmes proven to reduce HIV infections among IDUs, insufficient engagement of harm reduction programs in ART provision, inadequate information about HIV at government health care facilities; and lack of coordination between HIV, drug dependence, and tuberculosis clinics.

They also reported that after the findings of the research report were publicised, a new activist group emerged in St. Petersburg that will advocate for improving access to ARV therapy and high-quality medical care for drug users living with HIV.

Ref:
Ovchinnikova M and Lohman D. Drug treatment in the age of HIV/AIDS in Russia. Abstract WEPE0094.
http://www.aids2008.org/Pag/Abstracts.aspx?AID=10929