Scottish Sunday

SPECIAL REPORT

Crippling poverty, drug addiction and alcoholism all pale in the shadow of the biggest threat to Russians today

The highest mortality rate in Europe, the lowest fertility rate among women anywhere in the world, a catastrophically high level of alcoholism, massive drug addiction and collapsed social structures. How could life in Russia get any worse? Yet, unbearable though it may be for a people that has suffered more than its fair share of pain, it is just about to. Disaster looms around the corner. Russia stands on the brink of an HIV and Aids epidemic of African proportions.

The Impending Epidemic

You wouldn't guess it though -- especially now in the hot, soft glow of a Moscow summer. The terrace bars are overflowing, bronzed couples embrace in the tree-lined boulevards, the city's arteries are clogged with traffic and in the early hours the nightclubs are still throbbing. Russians are intoxicated by consumerism and oblivious to the web being spun around them. But the trap is about to be sprung.

Until 1996, the rate of contamination by HIV was very low. In 1994 just 158 cases were recorded, but now the federal Aids centre estimates that there are more than one million infected people. Critically, the rate of infection in Russia and neighbouring Ukraine is higher than anywhere in the world.

A Marginalized Problem

Because HIV only began its march through Russia in the mid-1990s, the full implications of its threat are still dimly perceived across the country. It takes anywhere from 10 to 12 years for HIV to develop into full-blown Aids and for people to start dying from the disease, so it could be at least another five years or so before the full horror of what is happening is fully understood. Most Russians write it off as a marginal problem. They still tell you it's not a big issue -- and that, in any case, most of those affected are drug addicts and social outcasts. This is partly because the full consequences of the spread of HIV infection have yet to be felt but perhaps also because Russians are already overwhelmed by other apparently more urgent problems. But the deaths of hundreds of thousands of young Russians are already programmed in -- as surely as night follows day.

The Current Situation

Until now, HIV in Russia has spread mostly through the exchange of contaminated needles. The worst-hit cities lie on the drug routes that fan out from Afghanistan via Russia to the West. Western intervention in Afghanistan has exacerbated the problem. Sergey, a young Russian living in Moscow, shared his story of how he became HIV-positive through drug use.

In St Petersburg, there are 70,000 drug users in a population of five million. The spread of HIV among drug users appears to have peaked, but experts are alarmed by the accelerated spread of the infection through sexual contact. The fear is that it will mushroom through the heterosexual population in the next decade and leave Russia with an Aids epidemic of unseen proportions.

The Role of Prostitution

The conditions for the spread of HIV in Russia are ripe, particularly due to the prevalence of prostitution. It is estimated that one in three drug users funds their habit through selling their bodies for sex. Drive down any of the main arteries that lead into Moscow and you quickly get an idea of the problem. The demand for prostitution is high, with rows of prostitutes lining up for drivers on the cruise, while the pimps and police remain discreetly out of sight. Prostitution contributes greatly to the spread of infection through unprotected sex and is a major factor in the alarming rate of sexually transmitted diseases in the country.

Main Article: HIV/Aids Epidemic in Russia

Consequences and Challenges

Catastrophe lurks just around the corner but Russia has its head buried in the sand. Not a comfortable thought for Europe as it prepares to stretch its borders to the very edges of Russia. The government's approach is considered "light-minded" by experts who argue that the scale of the problem is being downplayed. Russia spends less than 5% of its GDP on health, with only $6 million allocated annually to combat HIV.

Alexander Goliusov, chief of the HIV/Aids prevention department at the Russian Ministry of Health, defends the government's record but admits the uphill struggle to secure sufficient support. Social attitudes and lack of education are major challenges in combating the epidemic. Stigma and discrimination towards HIV-infected individuals prevent proper education and awareness campaigns from being effective. The Russian Orthodox Church, in particular, contributes to the ignorance surrounding the infection by campaigning against the use of condoms.

Hotels and Tourism in Russia

Exploring Russia's Hospitality Scene

While Russia grapples with its escalating healthcare crisis, the country's tourist industry continues to show promising growth. Visitors flock to experience the rich history, cultural landmarks, and breathtaking landscapes that Russia has to offer. From the historical grandeur of Moscow's Red Square to the palaces of St. Petersburg, there is no shortage of attractions for tourists.

Luxurious Options

For those seeking a luxury stay, Russia's major cities boast a range of high-end hotels. The luxurious St. Regis Moscow Nikolskaya offers a 5-star experience with its elegant rooms, top-notch service, and proximity to popular tourist spots. Similarly, the Ritz-Carlton in St. Petersburg offers opulent accommodations coupled with breathtaking views of the city.

Mid-Range Comfort

Travelers on a budget can also find comfortable accommodations in Russia. The Courtyard Moscow City Center provides modern rooms and convenient amenities for a reasonable price. In St. Petersburg, the Angleterre Hotel offers a combination of historic charm and modern comforts.

Immersive Experiences

For a more immersive experience, visitors can opt for boutique hotels that offer a taste of Russian culture. The Lotte Hotel Moscow merges contemporary design with traditional Russian elements, creating a unique and immersive ambiance. The Pushka Inn Hotel in St. Petersburg provides guests with a charming and authentic Russian experience, nestled in a historic building.

Overall, Russia's hotel industry caters to a diverse range of travelers, ensuring comfortable and memorable stays amidst the country's rich cultural and historical offerings.