Written by Denys Denysenko, Eastern Europe Portfolio Lead
As the conflict in Ukraine enters its fourth year, the toll on civilians continues to rise. Since the full-scale invasion began in February 2022, more than 12,300 civilians, including over 650 children, have been killed, and over 27,800 people have been injured. The destruction of more than 700 medical facilities and 1,500 schools and colleges has severely impacted access to healthcare and education.
The end of 2024 saw a surge in hostilities, leaving an estimated 12.7 million people in urgent need of humanitarian assistance in 2025. Among them, one crisis risks being overlooked: Ukraine’s HIV epidemic.
The Overlooked HIV Crisis
Ukraine has the second-highest number of HIV cases in Eastern Europe and Central Asia, and the current conflict has only worsened an already challenging situation, disrupting access to life-saving treatment and shifting public and media attention away from this ongoing health crisis.
This conflict affects every part of Ukrainian society: the elderly and the young, military personnel, internally displaced people, refugees seeking safety, and those living under Russian occupation—like my own parents, who refuse to leave their home. I have seen firsthand the struggles my mother faces trying to access medication for her diabetes under the occupation. Millions of others share this same battle and are asked to accept Russian nationality to access medications.
The recent executive orders freezing foreign aid for 90 days have put even more pressure on Ukraine’s already fragile HIV response, further limiting access to critical care and support. With approximately 118,000 people currently relying on antiretroviral therapy (ART) to manage their HIV, concerns are mounting over how this suspension could disrupt the next shipment of medications.
How the Elton John AIDS Foundation is supporting Ukraine
The Elton John AIDS Foundation has supported community partners in Ukraine for over 20 years. Since the full-scale invasion began, we have awarded over $4 million in grants to provide humanitarian aid and essential HIV services.
With our funding, partners have helped over 85,000 people with food, hygiene supplies, warm clothing, blankets, and power banks. We also helped winterize 30 shelters, equipping them with generators, heaters, and essential appliances.
One of our partners, TB People, is delivering HIV testing, treatment, and humanitarian aid to five of the most heavily affected frontline areas. Our funding has enabled them to launch a multidisciplinary mobile clinic with a portable x-ray machine to diagnose and treat people with HIV/TB co-infection.
As an often-hidden consequence of the war, mental health needs are also soaring, with an estimated 9.6 million Ukrainians living with or at risk of a mental health condition. Our partner HealthRight International has reported a 123% rise in demand for counselling and a spike in psychiatric referrals. With our support they have:
- Provided more than 1,000 individuals—including women, adolescents, and veterans— with HIV testing, treatment, and temporary housing at their day centers and halfway houses.
- Established a new women’s mental health center in Kyiv, providing vital psychosocial support.
- Identified over 500 cases of depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder, with referrals for treatment.
- Launched digital counseling services for those unable to attend in person.
Milana’s story: Finding Hope Amid War
Milana* is one of the many people HealthRight International has been able to help, thanks to our funding.
At 32, Milana was caring for three young children and pregnant with her fourth. Her home in war-torn Bakhmut in eastern Ukraine had been destroyed by an airstrike. She had paid for her last night of temporary housing in Kyiv but had no money for the next and was frantically calling organizations for help, only to be told repeatedly that there were no vacancies left.
Just as hope seemed lost, she dialled another number. This time, a friendly voice on the other end assured her that there was a place for her and her children at HealthRight International’s halfway house in Kyiv.
Since 2013, this refuge— first established with support from the Elton John AIDS Foundation—has provided vital support for people living with or at risk of HIV and survivors of gender-based violence. Since the full-scale invasion began, we have provided new funding for humanitarian and HIV services for displaced women, adolescents and children.
“I lived in Bakhmut, Kostyantynivka, and Pokrovsk. There was constant fire and explosions. We saw a shell hit a neighboring house, and a person died right in front of us. After that, my eldest daughter, Diana, became very withdrawn and stopped speaking,” Milana shares.
Now, in a safe space, Milana and her children are slowly rebuilding their lives. Social workers helped her enrol her children in kindergarten, register her husband as missing, find a family doctor, and apply for state social benefits. After months of therapy with a child psychologist, Diana has started speaking again and playing with her peers.
“I was on the brink, even thinking about suicide. I would have just given up, but they supported me here. Social workers helped me.” – Milana
When she first arrived at the shelter, Milana wasn’t sure if she had a future. Today, for the first time in years, she dares to dream again.
*Name as been changed.
Extending support to Ukrainian Refugees
With 3.7 million people displaced inside Ukraine and 6.7 million refugees seeking safety abroad, ensuring access to HIV care is more urgent than ever.
In July 2024, we strengthened our commitment to Eastern Europe and Central Asia (EECA) by expanding our RADIAN partnership with Gilead Sciences. RADIAN 2.0, a five-year, $25 million initiative, will help us reach those most affected by HIV through innovative, scalable solutions led by local partners.
Our geographic focus is also growing to include countries hosting Ukrainian refugees, where the demand for HIV services is critical:
Poland
We are working with partners to provide comprehensive, community-based HIV services for Ukrainian refugees, addressing both medical and social barriers like stigma to help integrate them into Polish society.
Germany
We are developing a digital platform to help Ukrainian refugees navigate the German healthcare system, improving access to HIV services through peer support, advocacy, and research.
Moldova
We are addressing healthcare system gaps by supporting mobile clinics, peer outreach, and legal services for Ukrainian refugees.
The war in Ukraine has created unimaginable hardship, but we remain committed to ensuring that those affected—both within Ukraine and beyond—receive the care and support they need. Through our dedicated partners, we will continue to fight for a future where HIV services remain accessible, stigma is eliminated, and no one is left behind.
