Prevention of Nosocomial HIV Infection in the Soviet Union — An International Responsibility

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Abstract
The epidemiologic picture of the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection in the Soviet Union is incomplete, partly because of official denial of many health problems carrying a negative social stigma. As recently as 1988, the Soviet Union did not recognize AIDS as a national concern.1 By late 1989 only 91 to 198 Soviet citizens had been identified as infected by HIV.2 , 3 Homosexuality and nonmedical intravenous drug use are illegal and not officially recognized. Strict AIDS legislation passed in 1987 effectively quarantines HIV-infected persons, driving those at high risk underground. As a result, surveillance and prevention directed at these high-risk populations are not under way or contemplated.

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