Evolution of AIDS policy in the Soviet Union. I. Serological screening 1986-7.

In a two-article series, a research scientist from Britain's National Institute for Medical Research reports on the Soviet Union's response to AIDS. The first article reviews Soviet policy in 1986-1987 when AIDS was regarded as a "Western" disease confined to certain risk groups that did not exist officially in the USSR. Small scale mandatory screening programs in 1986 and 1987 resulted in the deportation of HIV-positive foreigners and the apparent isolation of HIV-positive Soviets. A 1987 decree provided for mandatory HIV testing of all foreigners living in the USSR and for severe penalties for HIV carriers who placed others at risk of infection. Recent outbreaks of AIDS blamed on improperly sterilized hospital needles may convince Soviet authorities to begin an active campaign for AIDS prevention.