The war in Ukraine could lead to more HIV and tuberculosis infections. The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria said moving with cramped housing and poor medical care would encourage infectious diseases. There are currently about 260,000 people living with HIV in Ukraine.
“It is too early to accurately assess the long-term impact of the war, but we expect the conflict to have a significant impact on tuberculosis and HIV rates in Ukraine and across the region,” said the Fund’s director. , Peter Sands. According to the WHO, there are currently about 260,000 people living with HIV in Ukraine. In terms of tuberculosis incidence, the country had one of the highest in the European WHO region in 2020. Moreover, ordinary medicines no longer work for many patients.
Large refugee flows, cramped housing and the interruption of medical care would further promote the spread of infectious diseases, Sands told the editorial network Germany (RND) on Monday. He was also concerned about health care in Ukraine. He said more than 150 health facilities were damaged or destroyed, and medical personnel were displaced, injured or even killed. So it is with patients.
“Life-threatening situation for patients”
As a result, many people no longer have access to medical care. In addition, prevention and treatment programs have been disrupted. “This situation is especially life-threatening for tuberculosis patients and people living with HIV, who are dependent on regular medication,” Sands warned. The Global Fund supports the establishment of a protected humanitarian corridor, for example to transport medical supplies. Even people who want to leave the war zone should be able to do so.
Source: Krone
I’m Wayne Wickman, a professional journalist and author for Today Times Live. My specialty is covering global news and current events, offering readers a unique perspective on the world’s most pressing issues. I’m passionate about storytelling and helping people stay informed on the goings-on of our planet.
