Ukrainians Face a Total Crisis in the Spread and Treatment of HIV/AIDS

Ukrainians infected with HIV have stated that thousands could soon die due to a shortage of medication for the virus.

Activists organized a protest. 'We call on the Prime Minister and the government of Ukraine to prevent this disaster,' said protest coordinator Volodymyr Zhovtiak in a statement.

According to protesters, the medication used for 30,000 HIV-positive people will run out in just three weeks.

Activists link this issue to a law passed last year, which allows suppliers of medication to receive full prepayment for treatment while delivering the product within a timeframe of up to six months.

The controversial government decision was driven by the need for funds earmarked in the budget for specific programs, activists believe.

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Health Minister Alexander Kvitashvili stated at a cabinet meeting that he is aware of the problem and is working with international humanitarian organizations to prevent a total crisis.

'We have medication until the end of June,' Kvitashvili said. - 'The delivery deadline of the medication is June 19.'

The World Health Organization has reported that Ukraine is currently facing the worst HIV epidemic in Europe.

Ukraine's own statistics showed 124,000 HIV-positive people registered for treatment. As of April 1, health authorities recorded 4,563 new cases in the first four months of the year.

Health officials fear the situation may worsen as the transmission of the disease has spread beyond the gay community and injectable drug users to the general public.

The World Health Organization noted that 57 percent of HIV infections last year were transmitted through unprotected sex. Drug use accounted for only a quarter of cases - a relatively low number.

'This is not just a risk - it's a fact of life,' said Pavel Skala, a representative of the 'International Alliance for HIV/AIDS in Ukraine' Foundation. - 'We are facing a situation where thousands of people are losing access to treatment, and all the responsibility lies with the Ministry of Health.'

Minister Kvitashvili, for his part, blamed the impending shortage of HIV treatment on Ukraine's main supplier - a private company he refused to publicly name.

'Although the medications can be obtained (for distribution) within 10 days, the company that signed the contract with the ministry refuses to contact us,' Kvitashvili stated.