Romanian HIV-AIDS epidemic after a decade of evolution.

Situated in Southeastern Europe, with a surface of 237,500 km2 and a population of over 22 million, Romania was a special case in the evolution of global AIDS crisis. After the first reported case in a homosexual male in 1985, five years elapsed till the epidemiological investigations done in the Institute of Virology, Bucharest (1-4) provided strong evidence for what may represent the world's largest iatrogenic transmission of blood-borne pathogens in children. On the basis of Epidemiological Fact Sheet concerning Romania provided by UNAIDS/WHO Working Group on Global HIV/AIDS and STD Surveillance we offer a couple of graphics which are considered important for informed decision-making and planning at national and regional levels. We emphasize the lack of availability of many specific data both on epidemiological and socio-behavioral indicators. Structural collapse in Eastern Europe sets the scene for the rapid spread of HIV/AIDS among young people and the lack of information may contribute to an unexpected rebound of the epidemic.