Russian attack destroys HIV supplies in Kyiv
Alliance for Public Health
A Russian bombing attack on 19 July destroyed a warehouse of the Alliance for Public Health in Kyiv, including HIV prevention supplies and goods worth over US$2.6 million.
The strike on a warehouse operated by Alliance for Public Health (APH), Frontline AIDS’ partner in Ukraine, has destroyed APH’s entire stock of HIV prevention supplies for 2027. As part of its risk management strategy, APH had already distributed its 2026 HIV prevention supplies across Ukraine just weeks before, ensuring that there will be no interruption in the provision of HIV prevention services to the 300,000 Ukrainians who depend on them. APH has informed its international donors about the damage and the urgent need to restore supplies so that services can continue uninterrupted in 2027.
APH has responded proactively to the war’s destruction of health infrastructure by deploying mobile clinics staffed by dedicated nurses and doctors. APH and its partners now operate over 50 mobile clinics, carrying vital medical equipment, medication and tests, including anti-retrovirals (ARVs), to areas where medical facilities and pharmacies have been destroyed.
Every second person diagnosed with HIV was tested through APH-supported programmes, and over 40% of those starting ARVs were referred and linked to services by APH and its partners. As a result, the number of people taking ARTs in Ukraine remains high despite the war. And more people are taking PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) than before Russia’s full-scale invasion. The latest strike threatens this progress.
“This is not just another strike. It is an attack on 300,000 Ukrainians who depend on HIV prevention services and on their fundamental right to health,” said Andriy Klepikov, Executive Director of Alliance for Public Health.
“Frontline AIDS is appalled by this attack,” said John Plastow, Executive Director. “Ukraine has one of the largest HIV epidemics in Europe and APH’s work is critical for ensuring that HIV prevention and treatment services continue, despite the war. We stand by APH and call on the international community to condemn this act which has destroyed syringes, needles, condoms and other medical products purchased by our partner and which would have benefited more than 300,000 people across the country. APH is an organisation that has adapted remarkably to address critical needs in wartime. This is a major new setback for them and we will do whatever we can to support them to address this latest challenge that they and the communities they work with are facing.”