“HIV is a comma, not a full stop” — event for World AIDS Day
On November 29, a large-scale event organized by 100% Life NGO, the largest patient organization in Ukraine, took place near the Red Ribbon Memorial in Kyiv. The event, dedicated to the World AIDS Day — which is honored annually on December 1 — was held under the slogan “HIV is a comma, not a full stop”.
Despite the challenges associated with the war, the organizers emphasized: the fight against HIV/AIDS does not stop, because life goes on.
Key facts about HIV in Ukraine
Yes, Ukraine ranks first in the European region in terms of the number of people living with HIV. One in three HIV-positive individuals is either unaware of their status or is not under medical supervision, which means they do not receive a life-saving treatment, the antiretroviral therapy (ARV therapy) that allows people with HIV to live life to the fullest. According to estimates, before the full-scale invasion, there were 244,877 people living with HIV in Ukraine, approximately 200,000 of whom resided in territories not controlled by Ukraine.
As of October 1, 2024, 147,599 people were registered with medical institutions that provide care for people living with HIV (PLHIV). Of these, 118,529 individuals are receiving the necessary ARV therapy. For comparison, in 2009, only 15,871 patients received treatment. Thanks to therapy, the duration and quality of life of people living with HIV has significantly improved, they live as long as people without HIV.
“The full-scale war has created unprecedented challenges for the healthcare system, but thanks to the support of international partners, we have not only avoided a shortage of medicines for HIV-positive patients — we have also continued to provide all the necessary services for vulnerable groups of the population. In times when so many factors are beyond our control, knowing your HIV status is a prerequisite for controlling your own health,” says Dmytro Sherembey, Head of the 100% Life NGO.
“Today, about 11 thousand new cases of diagnosed HIV infection are registered in Ukraine every year, and therefore the problem remains as relevant as ever. I thank doctors and public organizations who provide daily control, prevention, timely diagnosis and therapy, saving lives and preventing the transmission of the virus from a mother to a child”, said Mykhailo Rozsada, Director General of the Center for Public Health of Ukraine.
Mr. Matthias Schmale, UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Ukraine: “Despite the immense challenges posed by the war, Ukraine has shown remarkable strength and dedication to advancing its HIV response. On this World AIDS Day, the UN reaffirms its commitment to supporting Ukraine in ensuring that every person — especially those displaced or marginalized — can access life-saving HIV services with dignity and without discrimination. We also celebrate the resilience and contributions of people living with HIV, whose leadership and advocacy continue to drive progress and inspire hope. Together, we can turn adversity into progress and move closer to ending AIDS as a public health threat”.
Seneca Johnson, the U.S. Embassy Assistance Coordinator, said: “The United States is committed to its longstanding partnership with the Ukrainian government and civil society to end this epidemic. The U.S. president’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief — our PEPFAR program – has provided crucial support that has helped link tens of thousands of people living with HIV to life-saving care. Today, as we reflect on the lives impacted by HIV, let us also commit to closing the gaps exacerbated by the war. PEPFAR remains your steadfast partner in this journey, providing resources, technical assistance, and solidarity. Together, we can overcome these challenges and ensure that Ukraine continues the path toward ending the HIV epidemic”.
The 100% Life NGO — a Leader in Change
The organization, which has been operating since 2001, remains a key partner of the state in implementing health reforms and implementing programs of the Global Fund and USAID. In 2023, over 500,000 Ukrainians received assistance from the 100% Life NGO, of which about 30,000 are people living with HIV.
Representatives of the Ministry of Health, the Public Health Center, UNAIDS, USAID, PEPFAR, CDC, the Public Health Alliance, and the Olena Pinchuk Foundation joined the campaign.
The organizers urge Ukrainians not to delay knowing their HIV status, because timely treatment saves lives.
