Cost of HIV/AIDS, TB Drugs in Ukraine Decreased 20-Fold Because of Anticorruption Measures, Health Official Says

The cost of HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis drugs in Ukraine has decreased 20-fold because of effective measures to combat corruption within the country's government, Deputy Health Minister Valentyn Snisar said Wednesday, the AP/Kyiv Post reports. According to Snisar, corruption among government health officials during the term of former President Leonid Kuchma resulted in the purchase of antiretroviral drugs at up to 27 times what they should have cost (AP/Kyiv Post, 5/17). In 2004, 400 to 500 HIV-positive people were receiving treatment, and state-funded antiretroviral treatment in Ukraine cost $7,000 per patient annually. In 2006, 2,500 HIV-positive people are receiving treatment and the same drugs cost 80% to 90% less, according to Deputy Health Minister Valentyn Snisar(5TV.com, 5/17).