Ukraine ranks second in Europe in terms of HIV prevalence. According to official data, 157,000 people in Ukraine are registered as living with HIV, but only 118,000 are receiving therapy. Meanwhile, nearly one in three people carrying the human immunodeficiency virus remains undiagnosed. 

That’s a significant number. However, war always exacerbates the spread of socially dangerous diseases. HIV is particularly affected because there’s increased exposure to blood (through which the infection is transmitted), stress reduces patients’ attention to taking medication, and incidents of sexual violence rise. Therefore, today, more than ever, Ukrainian society must mobilize to prevent the further spread of the epidemic. 

 Fortunately, thanks to international assistance, all necessary conditions have been created in the country to address this challenge, even amid ongoing hostilities. 

 Over the past seven years, since autumn 2017, our organization, in partnership with the ICF “Alliance for Public Health” and with the support of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), has been implementing Ukraine’s largest health sector project — HealthLink: Accelerating the Response to HIV/AIDS in Ukraine. The project focused on optimizing opportunities for rapid and safe access to HIV prevention, testing, and treatment, reducing stigma toward people living with HIV, improving the availability of healthcare services in regions most affected by the full-scale invasion, and supporting the health sector during the challenging COVID years. 

 As part of the project, an extensive testing infrastructure was established, educational materials about the disease were developed, significant advocacy efforts led to important legislative changes, and training was provided for healthcare workers to combat stigma. As a result, access to HIV testing and medical care for people living with HIV in Ukraine has improved significantly. Despite the epidemiological situation, Ukraine has established itself as a regional leader in the response to the epidemic. 

 It’s now crucial for every Ukrainian to benefit from the results of this project. Without this, it will be impossible to change the situation. It’s also important to remind everyone of the steps each person should take to consolidate progress and thus contribute to the health of the entire nation. 

 But first, a brief overview of HealthLink’s achievements over seven years: 

– More than 1,000,000 Ukrainians have undergone HIV testing. 

 – Nearly 26,000 people have been diagnosed as living with HIV — roughly a third of all new cases detected during this period. 

 – Over 22,000 people started antiretroviral therapy (ART) for the first time. 

 – 1,700 HIV-negative individuals began pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). 

 – 96,000 people were tested for hepatitis, and over 6,700 were tested for syphilis. 

 – More than 600 healthcare institutions — from large dispensaries to hospitals in small towns — participated in the project. 

 – Over 152,000 oral HIV tests and nearly 77,000 safe-injection boxes were distributed. 

 – More than 10,000 healthcare workers received training aimed at combating discrimination and stigma toward people living with HIV. 

 During the COVID-19 pandemic, 20 autonomous oxygen generation stations were built for key hospitals, along with the supply of 19 portable blood gas analyzers for patients on mechanical ventilation, 4 centrifuges, an ice generator, and consumables for the reference laboratory of the Public Health Center. Support was provided for the development of certain components of Ukraine’s eHealth system. Each of these achievements is a key element in countering the spread of the epidemic. 

 Now, let’s talk about what every Ukrainian should do to collectively fight HIV. 

Stay Informed 

HIV arises from the entry of the human immunodeficiency virus into the body, which attacks the immune system, disrupts its protective functions, and leaves the body vulnerable to other infections and diseases. 

 For the first few years, HIV may show no symptoms, so people can live for years without knowing they’re infected. As a result, diagnoses are often made late (half of all cases detected in Ukraine are already at the final or penultimate clinical stages), when the immune system is already severely damaged and it’s harder to help the patient — and when the person may have already transmitted the virus to others. Therefore, awareness about the epidemic and the disease itself is a fundamental prerequisite for an effective response. 

 You can learn more about HIV on the website prozdorovia.in.ua, where you’ll find information about symptoms, transmission, safe practices, and more. It’s crucial for everyone to familiarize themselves with this resource. I particularly want to address men aged 35–50, as data from the HealthLink project indicates a significant number of new HIV cases being detected in this group. 

Practice Safe Behavior 

HIV is transmitted through blood (most commonly during injection drug use but also via procedures like 12 piercings and tattoos), unprotected sexual contact, or during childbirth. The virus is not transmitted through kissing, handshakes, or airborne droplets. Today, nearly 80% of HIV transmissions in Ukraine occur through unprotected sexual contact. Barrier contraception remains the best way to protect your health. 

Combat Stigma 

One reason HIV spreads rapidly in Ukraine is people’s fear of seeking diagnosis or medical help. This fear often stems from concerns about stigma or breaches of confidentiality regarding their condition. However, the earlier a person learns about their HIV status and starts treatment, the less harm the disease can cause to their body and to society. Therefore, reducing stigma and discrimination — both in society and among healthcare workers — is an essential step in overcoming the epidemic. 

Get Tested 

Testing is the only effective way to detect HIV and begin treatment. HIV testing in Ukraine is free, confidential, and can even be anonymous. Ukraine has all the necessary infrastructure to ensure easy access to testing: through healthcare facilities and via rapid tests that can be purchased at pharmacies. You can also find a map of testing sites on the website. 

Testing should be done three months after unprotected contact, as it takes time for the body to produce enough antibodies to detect the virus. For those who frequently come into contact with blood (such as military personnel, healthcare workers, and frontline volunteers) and for individuals who regularly have unprotected sex, it’s recommended to test twice a year, as they are considered high-risk groups. 

Seek Treatment if Infected 

Thanks to the advent of antiretroviral therapy (ART), the number of AIDS cases (the advanced stage of HIV when left untreated) worldwide has dropped tenfold because ART slows and practically halts the progression of HIV. Once a person achieves an undetectable viral load, they do not transmit the virus to their HIV-negative partners. Thus, treatment not only prolongs life but also allows people to live normally without fear of infecting their loved ones. 

In Ukraine, ART is free for everyone for life and available through family doctors. And thanks to recent optimizations in treatment regimens, standards of care for people living with HIV have become more modern, effective, and aligned with WHO recommendations. 

 Despite the war, there is no problem ensuring the supply of ARV drugs in Ukraine. In fact, there’s even a reserve for those who carry the virus but are not yet aware of it. Therefore, all the conditions have been created in Ukraine for an effective response to the HIV epidemic, and our health is in our own hands. 

Dmytro Sherembey, Head of the Coordination Council of the NGO “100% LIFE”