If we are united, no pandemic can beat us

The situation with COVID-19 happened suddenly. No one expected such a sharp turn of events around the world. From the very beginning of the pandemic in Kyrgyzstan, the intensive work to support people living with HIV started. Despite the difficulties, the AIDS Center of Kyrgyzstan worked in an intensive mode. Our fund also did not stand aside. Much of what was planned earlier had to be postponed in order to tackle the primary tasks of assistance.
Aleksey Globa Country program coordinator, Central Asian Society of PLHIV

Task

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. But not only us. In the country as a whole, problems have begun with the provision of medicines for HIV-positive people. Many people lost their jobs, accommodation, and some simply did not have the means to buy food. Difficulties in delivering drugs to HIV patients arose.

The provision of facial masks also caused difficulties, as masks at some point simply disappeared from sale in pharmacies. There were difficulties in obtaining a pass to move around the city, even for volunteer purposes.

We understood that the situation with COVID-19 could drag on for weeks, months, and we need to respond and do something now.

Solution

We, as a newly made foundation, analyzed how to organize our activities in order to make a feasible contribution to helping PLHIV in the context of COVID-19. Delivery of ART was agreed with the doctors of the AIDS center. Our partners were involved in receiving ARVs. Therefore, we have joined the collection of products for those in need. Volunteers worked all days long so that HIV-positive patients had a chance to receive the necessary medications on time, as their lives depend on it. Special volunteer teams were also organized to collect and supply the necessary food kits. Some of the shops and offices of colleagues have become a kind of “hubs” where you can ask for the necessary help, as well as leave a charity package for distribution to those in need. Our volunteers, on bicycles and on foot, took orders – the necessary food and medicine, including antiretroviral drugs – and delivered them to patients. In addition, we tried to provide volunteers with the necessary protective equipment on a regular basis. We also organized the distribution of protective equipment at large grocery stores and supermarkets in the city.

HIV-positive citizens of other countries remained on the territory of our country, they also obtained assistance  thanks to the work of the AIDS Center in Bishkek and such funds as CF ‘Ranar’ and CF ‘Plus Center’.

Result

There is a saying If you helped at least one person, it means that the day will not be spent in vain. This motivation was inspiring to volunteers and workers. For 2 months of the pandemic, we supported at least 70 PLHIV. Our organization, the Central Asian Association of People Living with HIV, and CF ‘Ranar’ worked in Bishkek, and CF ‘Plus Center’ worked in Osh and Jalal-Abad.

The pandemic is not over yet, and it is supposed that we’ll face another outbreak this autumn. We are ready for new challenges and will be ready, if necessary, to help PLHIV, our partners and colleagues.