The Western Balkans have reported about 2,000 HIV/AIDS cases in 2003. More than 80% of those infected are under 30 years of age.

Prevalence remains low in Southeastern Europe, but the risk environment is high.

Voluntary testing and counseling is mostly absent in these countries.

The main drivers of the epidemics are: injecting drug users (IDUs) and Commercial Sex Workers (CSWs), human and drug trafficking, poverty, low awareness and knowledge of HIV and STDs.

HIV has gained a foothold among high risk groups, particularly youth sex workers and IDUs.   According to available data, it appears that most IDUs are in Serbia and most of the IDUs are males.

Injecting drug use is a common problem in the region and many IDUs are HIV positive, having acquired the disease by sharing dirty needles. Substitution therapy (replacing heroin with buprenorphine or methadone) is a common and effective treatment to both curb illicit drug use and to stop the spread of HIV/AIDS.  Such therapy, together with the distribution of clean needles, is known as “harm reduction”.

SOME COUNTRY-SPECIFIC RECOMMENDATIONS FOR TACKLING THE EPIDEMICS:

In Albania:

  To adopt anti-trafficking and CSW prevention policies

In Bosnia & Herzegovina: 

  To strengthen key public health functions at the Institute of Public Health and develop second generation surveillance system  

In Kosovo:

  To adopt anti-trafficking and CSW prevention policies

In Macedonia:

  To establish mechanisms for transferring funds to NGOs and support management of Global Fund to Fight AIDS, TB and Malaria (GFATM) grant

In Montenegro:

  To approve a national AIDS Strategy and legalize anonymous testing for HIV/AIDS

In Serbia:

  To coordinate implementation of GFATM and Department for International Development grants