HIV/AIDS in Russia: Commitment, Resources, Momentum, Challenges

The only thing predictable about Russia’s struggle with HIV has been its unpredictability. Over the last few years, the epidemic itself has taken unexpected and still poorly understood twists and turns. The country’s declared political commitment to tackling the virus and its consequences is strong at the moment, but a history of denial and neglect call the sustainability of recently allocated policy attention and financial resources into question. Even in a resource-rich environment, Russia’s capacity to spend money effectively and without unintended negative consequences remains uncertain. The international community has played a significant role in shaping the dynamic of Russia’s response, and its continued involvement—including a strong bilateral U.S.presence—will remain an important determinant of Russia’s success.