A generalised stage of the HIV epidemic has been recorded in 27 regions of Russia, in which the infection is spreading amongst broad sections of the population. More than 3% Russian men aged 40–49 are living with the virus, and tens of thousands of people with HIV die in the country every year. This was reported by Vasily Akimkin, Director of the Central Research Institute of Epidemiology at Rospotrebnadzor.
- The generalised stage of the HIV epidemic has been recorded in 27 regions of Russia.
- Among men aged 40–49, the prevalence of the infection exceeds 3%.
- In 2025, around 45,000 new cases of HIV were detected in the Russian Federation.
- Every year, 30,000–34,000 people living with HIV die.
- Additional funding for treatment in 2027 has been earmarked for 30,000 new patients.
In which regions of Russia is the HIV situation the worst?
According to Rospotrebnadzor, the generalised stage of the epidemic has spread to 27 Russian regions. In these regions HIV are found in more than 1% pregnant women — one of the indicators of the prevalence of the infection amongst the general population.
The most difficult situation is being observed in the Kemerovo, Irkutsk and Sverdlovsk regions.
Among men aged 40–49, the prevalence of HIV exceeded 3%. At the same time, approximately two-thirds of new cases of transmission are linked to heterosexual sexual contact.
Over the past 15 years, the average age of people diagnosed with HIV has risen from 32 to 44.
Every year, tens of thousands of people with HIV die in Russia
In 2025 Russian medical professionals have recorded around 45,000 new cases of infection. This is 13.4% fewer than a year earlier. However, the decline in the number of new diagnoses does not mean that the epidemic has been brought under control. Experts estimate that between 30,000 and 34,000 people living with HIV die each year.
By the end of 2025, viral suppression had been achieved in only about half of all people living with HIV in Russia. Among patients receiving antiretroviral therapy, this figure stood at 77.9%.
Funding for treatment does not match the number of new cases
The draft Russian budget for 2027 provides for additional supplies of medication for 30,000 new patients, whilst approximately 45,000 new cases of HIV were recorded in the country during 2025.
Cases of infection transmission in healthcare settings are a particular cause for concern. During 2025, eight outbreaks of HIV and viral hepatitis infection were recorded in Russia during the provision of medical care. A total of 104 patients were affected.
Experts cited breaches of hygiene regulations as one of the causes, in particular the reuse of medical devices intended for single use.
