Since the onset of aggression from the Russian Federation towards Ukraine on 24 February 2022, and as of 11 April 2022, more than 4 million Ukrainian people had fled to Poland, Hungary, Slovakia, Romania and the Republic of Moldova (1). While countries bordering Ukraine have received most of the displaced people so far, it is envisaged that there will be further migration across Europe in weeks to come.
It is estimated that prior to the war, more than 250 000 people (1% of the total population) were living with HIV in Ukraine, of whom around 130 000 were receiving antiretroviral therapy.
As the displacement of people from Ukraine escalates, it is imperative that countries across Europe receiving these displaced people are prepared to ensure high standards of HIV prevention, treatment and care.
The European Council has adopted a Temporary Protection Directive (2) that offers an appropriate response to the present situation by providing immediate protection and rights, including rights to medical assistance.