
Mass HIV screening urged as Russia battles rising infections
Health Minister Mikhail Murashko urged annual HIV testing for about one-third of Russia’s population to curb rising infections, saying broader screening is essential to reduce transmission. Russia logged roughly 54 million HIV tests in 2024 (about 37% of the population), the highest in years, but WHO data show a high prevalence of about 890 per 100,000 with total living with HIV around 1.25 million in 2025. Officials also note a treatment gap, with about 900,000 officially under medical supervision in 2025. The government frames early detection through expanded testing as the key to preventing further spread.













