[REVISION HISTORY]

HIV and hepatitis epidemic in Russia

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2026-11-09 14:48 UTC → 2026-11-09 17:19 UTC · added ~~removed~~

The Rospotrebnadzor Central Research Institute of Epidemiology has identified a generalized HIV epidemic across 27 regions of Russia. This classification signifies that the virus is spreading through the general population rather than being limited to high-risk groups, with more than 1% of pregnant women testing positive in these areas. The most severe situations are reported in the Kemerovo, Irkutsk, and Sverdlovsk regions. Although new HIV infections in Russia reportedly fell by 13.4% in 2025 to 45,000 cases, the total number of people living with HIV continues to rise. There are currently over 1.2 million confirmed cases in the country, representing approximately 0.8% of the population. Experts note that for every death related to the virus, approximately 1.5 new diagnoses are recorded. HIV remains a leading cause of death among the working-age population. Medical facilities have experienced a 15-year high in HIV and hepatitis infections. In 2025, eight outbreaks in healthcare facilities resulted in 104 infections, primarily involving hepatitis C and HIV-hepatitis co-infections. In 2026, authorities are investigating 11 additional potential outbreaks across ten regions. Specific incidents include a hepatitis C outbreak in Moscow involving 22 cases and a significant outbreak in a Kabardino-Balkaria sanatorium where 82 people were infected. Experts attribute these healthcare-acquired infections to breaches in sanitary protocols, such as the reuse of single-use medical ~~equipment.~~ equipment, including catheters and glucometers. Additionally, 2026 saw the first cases of HIV transmission via blood transfusions in six years. Recent data highlights further healthcare-related infections, including hepatitis outbreaks in oncology departments in Kamchatka and Buryatia, affecting 147 and 42 patients respectively. Furthermore, 26 people were infected at hemodialysis centers in the Samara and Kursk regions. Annual deaths among the working-age population are estimated between 30,000 and 34,000.

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