Cuts in Support Will Lead to the Rise of the HIV Epidemic

Action on the International AIDS Candlelight Memorial Day

On May 16, 2025, to mark the International AIDS Candlelight Memorial Day, which is observed annually on the third Sunday of May, Ukraine’s largest patient organization, CО “100% Life,” held an event titled “Cut AID — Raise AIDS.”

On this day, activists around the world not only honor the memory of those who have died from AIDS but also talk about life. Ukraine remains one of the countries with the highest HIV prevalence in the European Region. However, today, living with HIV is possible. At the “Red Ribbon” memorial in Kyiv, activists spoke about life, and the challenges caused by the war and declining HIV funding.

“For more than three years since the start of the full-scale invasion, we and our partners have been doing everything possible — and even impossible — not to lose the achievements we have fought for over the years. I personally depend on treatment every day, just like 116,000 other Ukrainians living with HIV who currently have access to therapy. One thing is clear: regardless of changing political circumstances and other challenges, life must remain the top priority. As the largest patient organization, we will do everything to ensure the voices of people living with HIV are heard and respected,” said Dmytro Sherembei, Head of CО “100% Life.”

Unfortunately, this year HIV programs are under threat not only due to the full-scale russian war in Ukraine but also due to complex international politics and a global reduction in funding. All partners now face the challenge of preserving the achievements that took years of effort in the fight against the HIV epidemic.

This year’s memorial campaign in Ukraine is held under the slogan “Cut AID — Raise AIDS,” emphasizing that health issues must remain a priority in all global processes. Fighting HIV — one of the biggest challenges of recent decades, where enormous progress has been achieved — must stay on the global agenda. We cannot afford to lose years of progress and risk the lives of thousands.

Currently, HIV testing, prevention programs, and treatment remain available. Antiretroviral therapy (ART) is lifelong and provided free of charge to patients.

“Today we honor the memory of those whose lives were taken by AIDS, and at the same time, we remind ourselves that the fight continues. Our duty is to do everything we can to save the lives of those living with HIV. That includes 116,730 people who have access to treatment and need continued support from society. We remember those we have lost and are grateful to all those standing with us in the effort to save lives,” emphasized Mykhailo Rosada, MD, PhD, Director General of the Public Health Center.

Videos of HIV-related personal stories from different regions of Ukraine can be found on Facebook and Instagram under the hashtags: #CutAIDraiseAIDS #fightforlife

HIV/AIDS Epidemic in Ukraine (According to the Public Health Center of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine):

• Ukraine ranks among the top countries in the WHO European Region for the number of people living with HIV.
• One in three people with HIV either do not know their status or are not under medical supervision and therefore do not receive antiretroviral therapy (ART).
• Prior to the full-scale invasion by Russia, an estimated 244,877 people were living with HIV in Ukraine (including around 200,000 in government-controlled areas).
• As of October 1, 2024, 147,599 individuals were registered in health facilities providing HIV care.
• As of January 1, 2025, 118,701 HIV-positive individuals were receiving ART (compared to just 15,871 in 2009). Treatment enables people with HIV to live.
• Following the outbreak of full-scale war, Ukraine faced the risk of a catastrophic shortage of HIV medications, with supplies in February 2022 lasting only a few weeks.
• In response to an urgent request from the Public Health Center and CO “100% Life,” the PEPFAR program allocated $13 million for emergency procurement of medicines.
• CO “100% Life” successfully coordinated the logistics of delivering 209,600 three-month ART courses to all regions of Ukraine. All patients living with HIV in Ukraine have access to treatment.
• Despite the war, HIV testing is still available through family doctors, infectious disease specialists, and community organizations. Testing is free.
• The main route of HIV transmission remains sexual (68.3%), predominantly through heterosexual contact.
• Early diagnosis and timely treatment of HIV ensure a long and fulfilling life.

• Learn more about HIV: https://prozdorovia.in.ua/choise/
• Hotline: 0 800 500 451 (available 24/7, including weekends and holidays)