"In 2005, Russian Federation subjects were given more than 2 billion rubles ($69.28 million) to fight HIV. Starting in 2006, financing will total 5 billion rubles ($173.19 million)," Onishchenko said at a news conference.
According to the official, the figure will comprise more than 3 billion rubles ($103.91 million) from federal funds and 2 billion rubles ($69.28 million) from those of the regions, a big increase that will help remedy the situation.
"Next year will be different for Russia's healthcare. If earlier we were moaning that we are not given money, now the money's been given [to us] and they have the right to make us responsible for our work," he said.
Onishchenko said 15,000 HIV-infected Russians would undergo treatment courses in 2007.
