The spread of HIV is becoming a major concern for more and more people in Chechnya. The local HIV/AIDS Prevention Centre has recently moved to a new building in the republic's capital, Grozny. Doctors are hoping to make the fight against the disease more

Doctors say more than 8,000 people in Chechnya are HIV-positive. Ten patients in this small republic died from AIDS-related illnesses this year alone.

Although, the disease afflicts those who are most at risk, such as drug users and prostitutes, locals are worried it might spread further. The authorities are also concerned.

Chechnya's AIDS Prevention Centre has been functioning for the past 18 years. Now the republic's government is helping the centre to move to a new building.

“Rebuilding the destroyed republic is a very difficult process. But giant steps are already being made. Now we have a new building and the republic's target programme is now under consideration. We hope the situation will improve in the future,” Zalina Abdulkadyrova, the centre’s preventive care specialist, said.

In the 1990s Chechnya went through two armed conflicts, reduing much of the capital to ruins.

The new building of Grozny's HIV/AIDS Prevention Center

Armed militants used any building they could for cover. On several occasions, hostages were taken from the hospitals in Chechnya and neighbouring regions. Many buildings, including kindergartens and hospitals were burned to the ground.

Now that most of the militant leaders are either dead or jailed, people in this republic are finally returning to their homes.

Like everyone else in Russia, Chechens are entitled to certain health care standards. This extends to illnesses like HIV/AIDS.  So, the prevention and treatment of the disease is now a major concern for doctors in Chechnya, as well as their AIDS-affected patients.

The Grozny HIV/AIDS prevention centre has big plans for the coming months. They now have facilities and equipment capable of dealing with HIV/AIDS cases. For all 30 doctors, counsellors and lab personnel, there is now a chance to help more people.

In a republic, where thousands died during the war, the health of its population is becoming more and more important.