HIV had reached a generalized epidemic stage in 27 Russian regions, with prevalence above 1% among pregnant women, according to research based on 2021 data. The finding, attributed to scientists at the Central Research Institute of Epidemiology, does not establish how many regions meet that threshold today.
The study recorded prevalence ranging from 1% to 2.6% among pregnant women in those regions. Kemerovo, Irkutsk and Sverdlovsk were identified in recent reporting as among the areas with the most serious HIV situation. The published study examined the spread of HIV across Russia in 2021.
Russia recorded 45,000 new HIV diagnoses in 2025, 13.4% fewer than in 2024, according to figures cited by Euronews. Despite the decline, epidemiologist Natalya Ladnaya said the number of people living with HIV continues to rise because new infections outnumber deaths.
Infections reported in medical facilities
Russian authorities also reported clusters of HIV and hepatitis infections linked to medical care. Eight clusters were recorded in healthcare facilities in 2025, affecting 104 patients, while investigations in 2026 covered 11 suspected clusters across 10 regions.
The reported incidents included 22 cases of hepatitis C under investigation in Moscow. In a separate case at a sanatorium in Kabardino-Balkaria, 82 people were infected: 76 with hepatitis C and six with mixed infections, according to the figures cited in the report.
Rospotrebnadzor official Yelena Igonina said breaches of infection-control rules, including reusing equipment intended for single use, were a major cause of healthcare-associated infections. The agency also reported two suspected HIV transmissions through blood-component transfusions in 2026, the first such cases identified in six years.
Nicole French 
Clayton Ward