Optimization of ART in Ukraine: general principles of ART optimization from a public health perspective. Mission report (2016)

Ukraine has a population of approximately 43 million people. The first cases of HIV were registered in 1987. Until the middle of the 2000s transmission was driven by injecting drug users (IDUs) but in recent years sexual transmission has grown and the epidemic has spread to partners of IDUs and other vulnerable groups. Antiretroviral therapy (ART) was introduced in Ukraine around the year 2000. 

The WHO country mission took place from 5-7 April 2016. The international consultant participated in several face-to-face meetings, including a two-day workshop on ART standardization/optimization in Kiev, with participation of national and international partners, health care professionals, decision- makers and People Living with HIV/AIDS (PLHIV) organizations.