Russia and human immunodeficiency virus-beyond crime and punishment.

The author reflects on the prevalence of HIV in Russia. He emphasizes the impact of inadequate HIV prevention efforts and fragmented systems of medical care in Russia's public health. Furthermore, the author provides five challenges in enhancing the HIV-infected drug users' (IDUs) engagement in HIV care including the reduction of stigma towards IDUs and drug users, promotion of protocols to coordinate HIV and narcology treatment systems, and adoption of opioid agonist therapy (OAT).