Task

The whole world was not ready to confront the coronavirus pandemic, being “face to face” with it, and the countries of Eastern Europe and Central Asia (EECA) were no exception. The health systems of entire countries found themselves in a situation of total lack of resources and knowledge about the treatment of a new virus.

Solution

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.

Results

Armenia: The Republican AIDS Center of Armenia received 1,500 rapid tests for antibodies to coronavirus. Using these tests, rapid testing was organized at border crossing points on the basis of a mobile clinic previously donated to the Ministry of Health. In addition, personal protective equipment was purchased for medical personnel, as well as sanitizers.

In Kyrgyzstan, within the framework of the Program, work with people living with HIV has been strengthened, in particular, algorithms for the delivery of antiretroviral drugs to patients for 3 months have been developed and implemented. 170 families of PLWH who are in quarantine and have lost sources of income were delivered food packages within 3 months (March-May), which also include some goods for children.

In cooperation with the Association of Dentists of Kyrgyzstan and the Kyrgyz State Medical Institute for Retraining and Further Training, a training course on “Infectious Safety in Dentistry with COVID-19” was introduced.

At the same time, one mobile clinic in April-May 2020 was used as a testing point at a checkpoint at the entrance to Issyk-Kul Oblast. In the clinic around the clock, replacing each other, worked two teams of medical workers, consisting of an immunologist, laboratory assistants and a paramedic. Testing of people entering the region was carried out using express tests for COVID-19. Upon receipt of a positive result, smears were taken for PCR analysis. Persons who received a positive result were sent for observation. The mobile clinic tested more than 3,300 people. Testing is voluntary, but not anonymous.

In Tajikistan, there are no restrictions on conducting preventive examinations through the operation of mobile testing sites for HIV, hepatitis and syphilis. Strengthened protection measures for patients and health workers.

During the pandemic, 8 types of infectious safety information materials (brochures, leaflets and posters) in Tajik were quickly developed, printed and distributed to the general population, representatives of vulnerable groups and labor migrants.

Also, as part of the Program, face masks, disinfectants sterile for delivery to 21 maternity hospitals in Andijan region of Uzbekistan were procured.