Andriy Klepikov, Executive Director of the Alliance for Public Health, spoke at IAS 2025 during a special session addressing challenges faced by health systems and key populations during armed conflicts.
In his presentation, he emphasised that Ukraine demonstrates resilience and an effective HIV response, maintaining control over the epidemic and ensuring access to prevention and treatment, especially for internally displaced people and war refugees.
Key success factors in Ukraine’s HIV response during the war:
- Strong collaboration between communities, civil society, medical professionals, international agencies, donors, and the government
- Favourable policies supporting key populations and migrants
- Flexibility and rapid adaptation of services – mobile outreach and digital tools
- Addressing basic humanitarian needs
- Access to innovations, including long-acting antiretrovirals
Main takeaway:
Despite the challenges of war, Ukraine demonstrates a resilient and effective HIV response, keeping the epidemic under control and setting an example for other countries in Eastern Europe and Central Asia.
Future priorities:
- Ongoing research and assessments to meet emerging needs, including mental health
- Advocating against shrinking international funding
- Ensuring access to LENACAPAVIR — a life-saving innovation essential during wartime and for Ukraine’s rebuilding
