Statistics clearly show that the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Russia is closely related to drug use. The majority of infections are attributed to parenteral transmission of HIV via contaminated needles and syringes used by intravenous drug-users. Consequently, the effectiveness of the national policy to fight and prevent the spread of the HIV/AIDS epidemic depends mainly on efforts aimed at reducing the risk of HIV transmission among injection drug-users (IDUs) and other most at-risk populations (MARPs).

This Policy Brief focuses on issues related to prevention and treatment of HIV among MARPs (including IDUs, sex workers etc.), that are most vulnerable to HIV infection and poorly integrated into the public healthcare system. The brief also analyzes the role of HIV prevention and treatment programs among MARPs in the development of an effective national response to HIV.  Additionally, the brief provides an overview of related research data, internationally acknowledged best practices, and Russia’s acting legislation. Based on the analysis, the brief proposes recommendations for HIV/AIDS policy in the sphere of prevention and treatment among MARPs that include financing, coordination of multilateral efforts, projects and partnerships, increased access and quality of ART, and human rights. The policy brief is intended to serve as an informational and analytical resource for government organizations and policy makers, as well as other stakeholders that are engaged with public health and social development issues.

The publication was developed by Transatlantic Partners Against AIDS (TPAA), in cooperation with experts from United Nations Joint Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) and the World Health Organization (WHO) in the Russian Federation, as well as the United Nations Office on Drug and Crime (UNODC ) in Russia and Belarus. The brief was developed and issued with financial support from the AIDS Foundation East–West (AFEW) within the framework of the GLOBUS project, and the project entitled, “Advocacy and Community-based Networking to Increase HIV Prevention Programs in the Age of Global Access to Treatment,” implemented by the All-Russia Harm Reduction Network, International Council of AIDS Service Organizations (ICASO), AIDS Action Europe, and Central and Eastern Europe Harm Reduction Network.