In Ukraine, 2580 deaths from AIDS in a year: how to stop the epidemic

Today, December 1, Ukraine, together with the whole world, marks World AIDS Day. This disease, which is the late stage of HIV infection, has become one of the most dangerous in modern times. Thanks to modern treatment methods such as antiretroviral therapy (ART), it is possible to control the infection and prevent the development of AIDS.

Ukraine does not stop fighting against HIV infection, even in wartime. Currently, more than 130 thousand people living with HIV are under medical supervision. Every year, thousands of new cases are registered, most of which are detected at late stages of the disease. During the first 9 months of 2025, AIDS led to the deaths of 2,578 people.

Ukraine's Goal - UNAIDS 95-95-95

One of Ukraine’s main objectives in the fight against HIV infection is to achieve UNAIDS 95-95-95: 95% of people with HIV know their status, 95% of them receive treatment, and 95% have an undetectable viral load, which virtually eliminates the risk of transmission of the infection. Ukraine has already made significant strides in this direction, improving HIV infection prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.

Thus, only in the first 9 months of 2025, more than 1.9 million people were tested for HIV, 86.6% of them are receiving ART, and 96% of patients have an undetectable viral load. In addition, more than 10 thousand people received preventive HIV treatment.

'HIV is a chronic disease that can be managed. But to stop the epidemic, not only medicine is needed, but also compassion, knowledge, and a culture of safety, on which the future of every person depends.'

It is important not only to create effective programs to combat HIV infection but also to maintain an open dialogue and disseminate information about methods to prevent this disease.