Government must stop HIV in Romania - Take Action!

HIV infections among drug users in Romania have increased dramatically in recent years. Harm Reduction programs previously supported by the Global Fund are not available anymore after entering the EU. As the government did not provide the funding, harm reduction programs had to be cut back. Despite the growing demand for sterile needles and syringes, distribution rates have dropped significantly. The result is a fast-growing HIV epidemic among injecting drug users (from 4 new HIV cases in 2007 to 231 in 2012). Harm Reduction programs have tried to bridge the funding gap, using EU structural funds, but these grants came to an end at the end of June – as a result, many programs are facing shutdown.

This is not just a problem confined to Romania. HIV does not respect borders. We ask you to take action and send a letter to the Prime Minister and the Minister of Health of Romania and urge them to provide adequate funding for harm reduction. Without international support, it is unlikely that the HIV epidemic can be stopped, and many people will suffer and die as a consequence.

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