The HIV epidemic in Eastern Europe is out of control and entering into care late is fuelling an HIV/TB epidemic
The HIV/TB study showes that 30% of people living with HIV in the Eastern European region also suffering from TB, die within 12 months after the diagnosis, and most of them die from TB. The development of MDR-TB is a huge problem not only for the people living with HIV, but also for the rest of the population in the region and in the rest of Europe.
The HIV epidemic is rapidly expanding in Eastern Europe. In Russia, Ukraine and Belarus the number of people living with HIV has almost tripled since 2000 and mortality is increasing. Poor access to antiretroviral therapy and prevention, serious social stigma and low political priority in some settings facilitate HIV transmission. Increased political action is needed to better manage the epidemic, locally and at the European Union level.
