An estimated 260,000 people in Ukraine are living with HIV, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). According to the Robert Koch Institute (RKI), Ukraine recorded one of the highest incidences of tuberculosis in the European WHO region in 2020. The Ukraine is also one of the countries with the highest proportion of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis – this means that common drugs are no longer effective.
Sands expressed concern about healthcare in Ukraine. “More than 150 health facilities have been damaged or destroyed, medical staff and patients have been displaced, injured or killed.” he said. Many people no longer have access to medical care, and prevention and treatment programs are interrupted. “This situation is particularly life-threatening for tuberculosis patients and people living with HIV, who depend on regular medication,” Sands warned. “We strongly support the establishment of a protected humanitarian corridor so that medical supplies can be delivered and people who want to leave the conflict zone can do so too,” he said.