Stories - Community Initiatives Map

Training for human rights professionals during the COVID pandemic

In Kazakhstan, people living with HIV and key populations face serious difficulties in obtaining resource assistance from the state. A number of regulations in the country provide access to healthcare guaranteed by the Constitution of the Republic of Kazakhstan. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it is difficult to hold face-to-face meetings to train future human rights professionals, although the need remains urgent.

Online support for PLHIV community

Online support for PLHIV community “On our online support group, we are now at sezon 4 and we had a lot of guests from different arias!” Bogdan Istrate Semper Musica

Modified and comprehensive access to sex worker services in a COVID pandemic

With the begining of the global crisis caused by the СOVID-19 virus, a number of consequences were created that required an integrated approach to address them. HOPS – Healthy Options Project Skopje, successfully dealt with all the challenges brought by this global pandemic.

Harm reduction programs for PWUD community in pandemic situation

With the begining of the COVID-19 pandemic, the harm reduction program had to adapt to the new conditions of the overall functioning of the community.

«Let’s not forget the other epidemics too!»

Despite the fact COVID-19 has preoccupied our lives for the past 2 years, we must not forget to live within, and outside of this bubble! This may mean continuing to live our lives, while having access to all possible safety options.

Equipping prisons with technologies for online activities as well as training and hiring peer-to-peer consultants

In March 2020, all penitentiary institutions (PIs) closed their doors to the outside world. And we have ceased to be able to provide our services.

Ensuring access to treatment and providing prompt assistance to at-risk groups

During the COVID-19 time, we faced a number of aspects in collaboration with key groups, which required a prompt and effective solution on our part

The use of digital technologies during the COVID-19 pandemic

During the closure of many institutions, the introduction of restrictions and number of changes in the usual life, it is extremely important for representatives of key groups to receive information concerning them quickly and easily.

REAct program implementation

Previously, there was no systematic program for recording cases of violation of rights in Tajikistan, and, accordingly, no evidence base that would allow formulating adequate measures to eliminate violations of rights for key populations.

Sustainable and long-term support for programs and projects to fight against HIV/AIDS

Reducing funding from international donors is a major challenge faced by many NGOs in Eastern Europe and Central Asia. Over the past years, the NGO sector has accumulated a huge potential for the effective implementation of HIV prevention and care services for different key groups involved in the HIV/AIDS epidemic.

Continuity of patient treatment as a result of well-coordinated work of NGOs

During an emergency, related to a sharp increase in cases of COVID-19, when it turned out to be a problem to go outside the house, people living with HIV could not simply go to medical centers and get treatment. It was a big question about the continuity of patient care.

Maintaining continuous access to ARV therapy in the context of the COVID epidemic

In the context of the COVID epidemic, the allocation of people living with HIV into a separate group is of high social importance

Providing Assistance to Families in Need During the COVID-19 Pandemic

During self-isolation due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many families, who raise children with HIV found themselves in difficult life situations. Especially families with guardianship of the child by the grandmother, single mothers and large families.

Providing basic necessities for women living with HIV and raising infants

Due to the global COVID-19 pandemic, Russia has developed a number of restrictive measures on access to treatment and prevention of vertical transmission of HIV infection for women living with HIV and raising infants

Quality psychological services for the trans* people community in the context of the COVID pandemic

Trans* people are one of the most marginalized groups in Georgia. Operational research among Trans* people conducted within the SoS project was extremely important for our community. This was the first study conducted specifically among Trans*People in Georgia providing important recommendations. We believe that this study will be the basis for the introduction of various services and activities to improve the lives of trans people in our country.

Timely and effective support for partner organizations in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic

As part of the Russian HIV/AIDS Technical Assistance Program, assistance was provided to countries in the EECA region in COVID-19 coronavirus counteraction by the ministries of health, medical and public organizations of four countries: Armenia, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.

If we are united, no pandemic can beat us

Kyrgyzstan is one of many countries affected by COVID-19. Already in mid-March, an emergency situation was announced in the country, and in April - a public emergency regime. Difficulties arose from different angles. We are a young foundation and faced similar situation for the first time.

Cannot meet up? – Go online!

I work in Tanadgoma as a social worker. I also collect cases of human rights violations in the REAct system: if something bad happens, members of my community contact me and we help the victim. Due to the state of emergency and quarantine, I can no longer come and communicate with members of my community.

Smaller teams – more sustainable services

Preventive measures in Georgia were quite strict from the very beginning. We had to find a solution to continue working, as our clients really need us.

Expansion and modification of HIV prevention services in Montenegro

COVID-19 has influenced harm reduction programs at so many levels and has led to a new design of these programs in line with the new challenges, needs and barriers that key populations vulnerable to HIV have begun to face.

Proactive work in COVID-19 counteraction

Uzbekistan is taking a rigorous approach to tackling the coronavirus pandemic. The closure of cities, the ban on travelling in cars and public transport, rigid self-isolation. Such measures could endanger those who need ongoing support, such as people on ART. You can’t buy it in pharmacies of Uzbekistan. The main task was: how not to lose the lives of people with HIV, saving them from COVID-19?

Couriers in cars rush to the rescue

The coronavirus pandemic has led to the fact that many people who need regular visits to health visits, were simply locked up, on self-isolation. This directly affects the needs of people living with HIV, and disruptions in antiretroviral therapy schedules jeopardize their health and even life.

Home delivery of life

During the aggravation of the situation with COVID-19 and the regime of self-isolation in the Chelyabinsk region, the issue of providing vital medicines to HIV patients became acute. The health and life of a person living with HIV directly depends on the daily use of ART, as well as a lean attitude to their health. The necessary medicines can only be obtained at a medical facility.

ART delivery in Yekaterinburg

Like all citizens, during the COVID-19 pandemic, people living with HIV are recommended a self-isolation regime. More than 50,000 PLHIV and more than 30,000 PLHIV who receive ART are constantly living in Yekaterinburg. The main tasks faced by medical and public organizations in relation to the provision of HIV services: how to reduce risks for program participants, how to rebuild existing services, how to receive ARVT in a timely manner, and what else needs to be supported in the new realities.

Ensuring ART continuity in Moldova

During a pandemic, one of the main recommendations is not to leave home. But there are people who need to regularly take medications that are available only in health facilities to survive. Such people find themselves in a conflict situation: on the one hand, you need to get to the clinics, and getting into public transport, which runs less and less, is a threat to health in the current circumstances. Staying at home and interrupting treatment for PLHIV is a direct threat to life.

Ensuring uninterrupted work of the therapeutic community in the penitentiary system and contact with relatives in COVID-19

During the pandemic, all penitentiary facilities almost stopped any contact with the outside world. Visits are prohibited, all educational activities provided by external organizations are also prohibited. The state of emergency increased the anxiety of the rehabilitation program participants because they were worried about those who stayed at home - parents, wives, children, brothers, sisters who are in danger.

Creation of transparency in the use of resources in the conditions of COVID-19 in Moldova

During a pandemic, one of the main tasks is to ensure the availability of medicines and preventive drugs in medical institutions and pharmacies. The measures taken by the authorities to ensure the urgency of procurements, in addition to the positive effect, can have an impact on reducing transparency and inefficiency risks using budget funds. Moldova faced the vital task of mobilizing all the resources available in the country and ensuring the most efficient use of funds allocated to combat the COVID-19 pandemic.

New challenges create new resources for NGOs

During the state of emergency and quarantine throughout the country, people living with HIV were in a difficult situation. Many lost their jobs and were left without a livelihood. Activists of HIV-service NGOs note the lack of personal protective equipment for employees and volunteers of organizations. Clients of NGOs need food packages, protective equipment (masks, gloves, sanitizers), as well as stable communication with consultants by phone or through the messenger, but due to loss of income they do not have this opportunity. This situation significantly increases the risk in people living with HIV (PLHIV) of COVID-19.

Substitution maintenance treatment during quarantine

Patients of substitution maintanance treatment (PST) in Temirtau, Karaganda region (Kazakhstan) have limited access to the treatment of a chronic disease guaranteed by them by the state. In Kazakhstan, participants in SMT programs are taking the medication at mental health centers under the direct supervision of medical personnel. From mid-March 2020, the building of Temirtau Narcology Clinic was reallocated to the hospital for patients with COVID - 19.

HIV Prevention in Armenia during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Armenia, like many countries of the world, was no exception during to the spread of a new type of coronovirus (COVID-19) and its consequences. Since March 2020, the virus has shown a frightening growth rate, accompanied by deaths. A critical issue was maintaining the sustainability of services for key groups and adapting them to meet emergency challenges.

Sustainability in the real world is created by real people

During the coronavirus pandemic, the key task for us was to ensure the continuity of treatment for people living with HIV, both in Armenia and abroad. At the same time, our work should be focused on providing access to free syringes and alcohol wipes for injecting drug users, ensuring the prevention of HIV infection and reducing the risk of coronavirus infection. It was also important to ensure that key populations and people living with HIV were informed of the necessary preventive measures in the context of protection against coronavirus.

ART: we will not leave you in trouble

The ITPCru Treatment Preparedness Coalition, together with Life4me +, is helping people living with HIV from the EECA region and other countries of the world who are forced to stay abroad due to interrupted intercountry transport linkages.

SAFE BOX home delivery

Due to quarantine and public transport, the flow of people wishing to be tested for HIV has sharply decreased. Previously, prevention and testing services for men who have sex with men (MSM) were provided on the basis of community centers of organizations.

Harm reduction room and saving lives

Before the coronavirus pandemic, the Sumy harm reduction room was operating in usual regime. It was the first room of such kind in the region of Eastern Europe and Central Asia. Services such as counseling, testing, distribution of preventive kits, self-help groups, information sessions, and a preventive service for using the room for safe use and safe disposal of used tools were provided. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the need to comply with WHO preventive measures, adjustments were needed to the harm reduction room.

A united database of startups and innovators from around the world to help with fighting against COVID-19

In a pandemic, timely information is an important aspect of the response to the viral threat. Coronavirus is a problem requiring new and quick solutions, therefore, the timing of communication between thematic startups and users is essential. Accordingly, there was a need to create a single online resource for exchanging information with all interested parties. A special platform containing a complete map of innovation regarding the status of the virus, the fight against it and its consequences.

#Remembrance wall – it is not necessary for the dead, it is for the living

From the beginning of the epidemic, it was clear that the first who came across it were doctors, infectious disease doctors. Those doctors who have always been our friends and our colleagues. These were the doctors, who treated our HIV-positive people. And it became clear that the country is not ready for an epidemic. Then at the end of March, most did not understand the scale of the disaster.

Somehow it will not just go away by itself or small steps towards it

The most important problems faced by people living with HIV, especially those who decided to make money in the regime of so-called ‘days off’ in Russia, were the threat of medication interruptions and lack of means of existence.

Prevention among sex workers will be!

The introduction of restrictive measures, reducing the flow of clients, closing jobs, lack of work - all of this has greatly affected the lives of sex workers.

In 20 years of work we are ready for any challenge

The main task for our foundation has always been and will be protecting society from the spread of HIV and its consequences, helping to maintain health on the basis of respect for every human life. Within the emergency caused by the coronavirus pandemic, it was crucial for us to maintain the sustainability of the vital support services for our clients.

Allocation of national funding for HIV services in Republika Srpska (Bosnia and Herzegovina)

As a result of prolonged negotiations and numerous advocacy events, a member of the #SoS_project consortium, NGO ‘Viktorija’ working in the field of HIV prevention and harm reduction in Republic of Srpska, met with the President of Republic of Srpska and Minister of Health and Social Welfare. As a result of this meeting, a press release was issued in which the President publicly confirmed his commitment to supporting projects aimed at combating addiction-related diseases. Earlier the head of the NGO ‘Viktorija’ Dr. Sanja Stanic and head of "Partnerships in Health" Ms. Aida Kurtovic have met with the Minister of Health and Social Welfare of Republic Srpska.

Substitution Maintenance Therapy “on hands” up to 14 days

Mobile clinics at the forefront of the pandemic

Due to the newly imposed restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a risk of interruption of ART for HIV-positive people who are unable to get to health facilities to receive medication. This problem arose not only among clients of the KPIF project, but also among other patients living in remote areas of the regions of Ukraine who work as part of projects financed by PEPFAR funds.

Pandemic Lessons or What Reality Taught Us

The first reported cases of COVID-19 became known on April 30 in Tajikistan. Indeed, to a certain extent, we had a head start of 1 month. Within this time, we studied the experience of neighboring countries, negotiated with doctors and planned our work in emergency mode.

The biggest challenges only begin

A state of emergency in the country was introduced on March 12. And for people living with HIV, a number of problems immediately arose in Latvia, for which no one was completely ready. The main questions that we had to help answering ourselves and the people we support - how to live if there is no financial cushion, and how to receive vital medical care?

When the vital needs of 600 people are at stake …

In the country, due to the coronavirus pandemic, HIV testing services were reduced, and prevention services have found themselves in unfavorable legal and social conditions. It became a real challenge for both nongovernmental organizations - service providers, and for their recipients - people living with HIV, and representatives of key groups.

No one living with HIV in Estonia should be left without support

On March 12, in connection with the global coronavirus pandemic and its possible wider spread in Estonia, the authorities imposed a state of emergency in the state until May 17, 2020.

Expanding Access to Vital Technologies

Patents and licenses for modern medications for the treatment of various diseases (in particular, such as HIV infection and related opportunistic infections, tuberculosis and others) limit the competition of offers, promote non-transparent pricing and the high cost of treatment. As a result, access to the necessary medicines for a large number of people requiring treatment is difficult, and effective timely counteraction to the spread of diseases is complicated, and it is impossible to reduce mortality and to improve the quality of life of the world's population.

Vital services should be provided

It is estimated that there are 8,100 PLHIV in Azerbaijan, 6,804 of which were registered at the AIDS center at the beginning of 2020. The HIV epidemic in Azerbaijan is concentrated among key population groups, with the most significant epidemic process among IDUs and MSM. But this trend is gradually declining. If we consider the percentage in comparison, it used to be 64%, now is about 50%. In the new realities of the pandemic, the need arose for comprehensive HIV + COVID-19 prevention.

HIV testing and support for homeless people

Due to the pandemic of the coronavirus infection COVID-19, many of the homeless people lost regular support, and adequate access to medical services, which were difficult to get at the usual time, became practically impossible. The high level of stigma and discrimination in the terms of which they live increases the risk of contracting not only COVID-19, but also tuberculosis, HIV, hepatitis and other diseases.

Quarantined HIV

Since March, the Minsk City Hospital for Infectious Diseases on Kropotkin Street began to work with patients who have diagnosed with COVID-19. But it is the only health facility in the city that deals with the issue of dispensation of ART medications. In order to separate the flows, the hospital made various entrances, but it is still psychologically difficult for HIV-positive people to come there. A lot of patients preferred to be self-isolated. The social workers from the organization Positive Movement decided to deliver therapy to people at home so that no one had to interrupt treatment.