AIDS and HIV are taboo in Russia.

People who have been diagnosed as HIV+ve are shunned by their communities.

No adequate treatment is offered and they are frequently left to die alone, with no support in silence.

It is seen as a sin not an illness. As the result of perversion.

Although AIDS is spreading quickly through the population the government remains silent and refuses to deal with the core issues, the causes.

There are groups working throughout the Russian Federation, at a grassroots level, to increase awareness of the reality. They are a vocal minority who realise that something must be done to support and treat those diagnosed as HIV+ve and to spread awareness of HIV/AIDS.