What happened and why it matters

Official statistics from the Public Health Center show a decline in registered HIV cases in Ukraine from 12,212 in 2022 to 8,024 in 2025. At first glance — noticeable progress. However, at the same time in 2025, 1,094 people died from diseases related to HIV/AIDS. These data are important now because they shape the reality of prevention and treatment programs and international funding.

"In 2025, 1,094 people died in Ukraine from causes related to HIV infection and AIDS."

— Public Health Center of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine (in response to a request from LIGA.net)

Data by year and registration nuances

Official figures by year: 2022 — 12,212, 2023 — 11,658, 2024 — 10,038, 2025 — 8,024. At the same time, the Center clarifies that children whose HIV diagnosis is still being confirmed are not included in the statistics. This means some cases may remain outside official records until diagnostic confirmation is completed.

Regional hotspots to watch

As of January 1, 2026, the highest prevalence rates (per 100,000 population) were recorded in Dnipropetrovsk (901.2), Odesa (773.4), Mykolaiv (694.2) regions and in Kyiv (527.2). By incidence rate in 2025, the leaders were Dnipropetrovsk (46.4), Odesa (45.6) and Mykolaiv (34.0) regions. This means the need for testing, therapy and support programs is concentrated in these regions.

Why cases fell — several explanations

Experts point to several simultaneous reasons: the introduction and scaling up of antiretroviral therapy (ART) and prevention programs are having an effect; but factors related to the war also play a role — population migration, limited access to medical services in combat zones, and a temporary reduction in testing and case registration. In other words, part of the decline may be a real epidemiological success, and part an artifact of changes in the healthcare system.

Associated risks: tuberculosis and meningitis

The Ministry of Health has also reported that Ukraine records about 50 cases of tuberculosis of the nervous system per year. Tuberculosis, especially when combined with HIV, increases the risk of severe disease and death. Therefore control of both diseases must proceed in parallel — from diagnosis to access to treatment.

What this means for the state and communities

This is not the time for complacency: testing programs must be preserved and expanded, uninterrupted access to ART ensured, monitoring updated in regions with high rates, and the diagnosis of children who are currently not included in the registry completed. It is also a signal to international partners: statistics are variable, and investments in health systems remain critical infrastructure for our security.

Systematic work by healthcare workers, volunteers and programs is producing results, but the war complicates epidemic control. Now it is up to politicians and donors — declarations must be turned into resources for targeted programs in the regions with the highest burden.