Russian government to spend more on HIV treatments?
Government spending on HIV treatments may increase from next year
The amendments to the second reading of the federal budget for 2022 and the planed period of 2023-2024 have already been supported by the Ministry of Finance.
10.11.2021
The amendments presume an increase in social spending by 107.6 billion roubles over the next three years, RBC Group reports. This will include additional funds to support those with disabilities and funding for CSOs.
It is proposed 2.3 billion to be allocated annually for the period of 2022-2024 for the purchase of antiviral drugs for the treatment of HIV.
“The need to increase the budget for HIV treatment has long existed, although it’s not yet quite clear to what extent the proposed amount will cover this need. The number of cases is growing every year, as is the number of patients living with a HIV diagnosis,” explained Kirill Barskiy, Programme Manager for the Steps Foundation. “We also have problems surrounding prevention and patients refusing to be treated. Currently, there are not enough resources to withstand this growth we are seeing.”
The three-year budget also includes 5.6 billion roubles to provide housing for disabled citizens who have been waiting for government help since 2005. The plan is to double the amount available. Another 7 billion roubles are allocated to be spent on the development of a long-term care system for disabled and the elderly.
Funding for the following three CSOs will also be increased by 1 billion roubles: the Russian Red Cross, the National Centre for the help of Missing and Injured Children and the Second World War Remembrance charity, Bessmertniy Polk.
Translated by Holly Battye
