Al Jazeera examines HIV in Russia

Jan 8 2013

Al Jazeera continues its coverage of HIV in Russia, where "[t]he latest official figures show that about 200 new cases are being recorded every single day." The news service writes, "HIV is spreading five times faster in Russia than the global average, with Ukraine and Russia accounting for 90 percent of the region's cases," adding, "The main source for 60 percent of new infections is dirty needles used to inject drugs." However, the country has "resisted so-called harm reduction strategies including funding needle exchange programs, angering health workers and global HIV prevention groups," Al Jazeera writes, noting, "Activists say social stigma is impeding the fight against HIV in Russia." An accompanying "Inside Story" video report examines how Russia "plan[s] to stem the rise in HIV" (1/4).