ABSTRACT
On 28 October 2010 a group of about 20 HIV/AIDS activists gathered in front of the building of St. Petersburg’s Health Committee. Their objective was to protest against disruptions in the supply of antiretroviral drugs which are vital for the treatment of PLWH. Throughout Russia, ARV drug shortages occurred in many cities in 2010. The reasons were believed to lie in the inefficiency of the central procurement system resulting in frequent delays in the deliveries of ARV drugs to Russia’s regions. These disruptions in supply do not only endanger the life of HIV-positive patients who are dependent on daily treatment, but also carry the risk of causing HIV drug resistance and fuelling a further spread of Russia’s HIV/AIDS epidemic. The activists in St. Petersburg – disguised symbolically as Russian bears and as nurses – carried banners criticising the policies of the regional health authorities: “Broken promises kill!”, “No therapy – we die!”, “No treatment – growing epidemic!” and “Our deaths are your shame!” (interview 33). According to one of the participants of the protest, PLWH in St. Petersburg had no other choice than to go out on the streets: “The Ministry of Health denies that drugs are out of stock. And that’s why we ask for help from people, as we ourselves cannot cope with what is happening, and without pills we die!” (interview 33).
