AEGiS-UNAIDS: Tragic Fire Claims The Lives Of 45 Women At Moscow Drug Rehabilitation Centre: Message From UNAIDS Executive Director

Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2006. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.

Tragic Fire Claims The Lives Of 45 Women At Moscow Drug Rehabilitation Centre: Message From UNAIDS Executive Director

UNAIDS Press Release - December 10, 2006

Geneva - The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) expresses shock at the news of the tragic fire in Moscow that claimed the lives of 45 young women and two hospital staff members who were trapped behind locked doors and barred windows at the drug rehabilitation centre, Hospital No. 17. Many of the women were living with HIV and being treated for drug dependency.

"We send our thoughts to the families and loved ones of the young women so tragically killed. It is really important that the cause of their death is fully investigated to determine whether this was arson, negligence or the result of insufficient safety standards," said UNAIDS Executive Director Dr. Peter Piot. "We welcome the statements made today by Russian officials that an investigation is underway and that safety equipment and procedures of all health facilities will be inspected," he added.

In the Russian Federation, as well as in most countries in the Eastern European and Central Asian region, the vast majority of people living with HIV are young people who became infected through injecting drug use.

UNAIDS reiterates the call for measures that ensure the dignity and human rights, coupled with compassion and tolerance. "All approaches for dealing with drug dependency and HIV should be based on effective scientifically-proven and evidence-based harm reduction strategies," underlined Dr Piot.

"There must always be a non-judgmental approach to all those who voluntarily decide to be treated for drug dependency," said Bertil Lindblad, UNAIDS Regional Director for Europe and Central Asia. "They must not be portrayed in mass-media as criminals or as people who do not deserve rehabilitation, services and support. For drug dependent people living with HIV, specific programmes and services must also be in place."

***

Contact

Beth Magne-Watts | UNAIDS Geneva | +41 22 791 5074 | magnewattsb@unaids.org
061210
UN061203

Copyright © 2006 - Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS). All rights reserved. UNAIDS articles, which are not formal publications of UNAIDS, may be freely reviewed, quoted, reproduced or translated, in part or in full, provided the source is acknowledged. The documents may not be sold or used in conjunction with commercial purposes without prior written approval from UNAIDS (contact: UNAIDS Information Centre).

AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted funding from Boehringer Ingelheim, Bridgestone/Firestone Charitable Trust, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Elton John AIDS Foundation, the National Library of Medicine, Roche and Trimeris, and donations from users like you. Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 2006. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.

AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.

Copyright ©1980, 2006. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content. .