HIV Prevention in Armenia during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Today we are all very vigilant and must understand the importance of working with vulnerable groups, being with them and fighting with them. In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, protecting yourself will protect others.
Sergey Gabrielyan Chairman, NGO "New Generation"

Problem

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.

Solution

The team of the New Generation, realizing the seriousness of the situation, especially for vulnerable groups, switched to new methods of implementing HIV prevention programs, within the framework of which the following services are provided:

  • Dissemination of information on COVID-19 along with information on HIV and AIDS
  • Information is taken from WHO, UNAIDS and the Ministry of Health of Armenia
  • Delivery of condoms and lubricants to beneficiaries in convenient places, while maintaining conditions of social distance and hygiene rules
  • Delivery of HIV tests to beneficiaries for self-testing
  • An online platform for ordering tests and registering results has been created
  • Provision of medical masks and disinfectants
  • Provision of temporary residences (shelters), financial assistance and food packages to beneficiaries who need it
  • Assistance in registering and redirecting beneficiaries to participate in state social programs under COVID-19 conditions
  • Psychological and legal 24/7 online consultation
  • Online HIV counseling by outreach workers
  • Translation of UNAIDS documents, which are published in connection with COVID-19, into Armenian

To prevent the spread of infection, the Ministry of Health announced the call for volunteers. The NGO ‘New Generation’ shared this announcement with employees and volunteers. As a result, more than 20 employees of the organization were registered as social workers and translators to make a voluntary contribution to the fight against COVID-19, and many were already actively involved in the work.

To prevent the spread of infection, the Ministry of Health announced the call for volunteers. The NGO ‘New Generation’ shared this announcement with employees and volunteers. As a result, more than 20 employees of the organization were registered as social workers and translators to make a voluntary contribution to the fight against COVID-19, and many were already actively involved in the work.

Taking into account the situation and the appeal of the government, it is urgent to provide support to those in need who are in their homes and cannot afford to buy enough food and other necessary things.

In early April, the “New Generation” launched a fundraising campaign in addition to the National Program of Armenia, which aims to meet the needs of risk groups (people who inject drugs, commercial sex workers, LGBT people, people living HIV, the elderly, refugees and migrants) and help people in need by buying food and other essentials.

Result

All necessary actions have been taken and during the quarantine period more than 200 people have already received assistance and support.