Alliance for Public Health

We continue to share the most significant moments of the #AIDS2024 conference. Today, we want to share a video where Olena Kucheruk discussed the work of the Regional Commission on Drug Policy. She emphasized the unique role of the commission and the importance of its high-level political advocacy mandate, which is particularly relevant given the current geopolitical challenges. "The Regional Commission on Drug Policy plays a unique role and has a mandate for political advocacy at a high level. This is especially important considering all the geopolitical challenges in the region. When governments heavily rely on populist narratives, and there is significant influence from the russian federation, there is a strong need for high-level advocates. And that is exactly what the commissioners do, holding meetings at the highest political level with presidents, members of parliament, and prime ministers. This is what truly helps to change policies." Stay tuned for more insights and key moments from the conference! International AIDS Society | International AIDS Conference

Powerful Speech by Anton Basenko at the Closing of AIDS 2024: "Put People First – Now!" A Strong Voice from Ukraine on the International Stage Anton Basenko, a person living with HIV, with experience of living with hepatitis C and drug use, left a lasting impression with his powerful speech at the closing of the AIDS 2024 International Conference. Through his personal story, he conveyed important messages on behalf of communities living with or vulnerable to HIV. Gratitude for Supporting Ukraine Anton expressed his heartfelt thanks to all conference participants for their support of Ukraine during these challenging times. He emphasized that this solidarity helps us move toward victory. Call for Innovation and Protection of Human Rights He highlighted the need for innovation in healthcare, specifically the use of virtual social workers, long-acting ART drugs, and substitution therapy programs. Anton also called for decriminalization and the protection of the rights of key populations most affected by HIV. He cited the example of his colleague Maksym Butkevych, who is being unlawfully detained in a Russian prison, and urged everyone to support his release. Time to Act! Anton stressed that we already have all the necessary tools to fight the HIV/AIDS epidemic. However, time is running out, so we need to take large-scale action immediately, especially for those who are usually overlooked. The audience gave a standing ovation, recognizing the strength of his speech and the importance of the issues raised. We thank Anton for being the voice of our community on the international stage. We are proud to represent a region that does not give up and continues to fight for a brighter future for all. Anton called for unity and concluded his speech with the traditional Ukrainian greeting: "Glory to Ukraine!" #AIDS2024, #PutPeopleFirst, #GloryToUkraine, and #FreeMaksymButkevych International AIDS Society | International AIDS Conference

Alliance for Public Health: Ukrainian innovations attracted attention on the international stage One stand in the Global Village hall at the venue in Munich was particularly well attended: Ukrainian activists presented their app, which social workers use to reach at-risk groups virtually under the difficult circumstances of the russian war of aggression. It enables counselling or shows the way to frequently mobile laboratory or testing stations. NGOs and organisations have shown enormous interest in using this app in other countries, for example in African conflict zones or along migration routes, reports Andriy Klepikov, co-founder and executive director of the Ukrainian NGO Alliance for Public Health, which is dedicated to the fight against HIV/Aids in Eastern Europe and Central Asia. Ukraine is a hub for innovation, emphasised Klepikov, one of three co-chairs of the conference AIDS2024. Thanks to digital and mobile solutions, control over the HIV epidemic has not been lost. However, any innovation is only as good as the people affected by it. Read more in the article: https://lnkd.in/eqyBxtXP welt-sichten

Continuing our series, we highlight the significant achievements shared at the AIDS 2024 Conference. Daria Gerasymenko, Program manager from the Alliance for Public Health discussed how the team has been rapidly responding to the challenges of war in Ukraine. The presentation included various initiatives such as community-led mini-grants and crucial online services like supervision and support groups. The conference also featured contributions from Positive Women in Ukraine, Aidsfonds and ECOM, who shared their efforts in responding quickly to the war’s challenges. These initiatives served as a powerful reminder to the global community that the war in Ukraine is ongoing and requires continued support. Stay tuned to our series to learn more about the work and accomplishments of the Alliance for Public Health during these challenging times. International AIDS Society | International AIDS Conference

Nadia Yanhol, PrEP coordinator for the regional #SoS 2.0 project team, highlighted the significant achievements of the Alliance for Public Health in implementing PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis for HIV) in Eastern Europe and Central Asia. The conference was focusing on PrEP, given the many progress and changes that have occurred over the last two years. We are excited to share with you the results, innovations, and future plans that were presented at this important event. Over the past three years, the Alliance for Public Health has made significant progress: we have facilitated the introduction of PrEP in the Balkan region and the emergence of an innovative long-acting pre-exposure prophylaxis method, Long PrEP (CAB-LA), in Ukraine, while also helping to increase the number of people using PrEP in Central Asia. The Alliance provides technical support to 13 countries in the region, and it is important for us to continue these achievements. We aim to sustain these results and bring new innovations across the entire region of Eastern Europe and Central Asia. World Health Organization | The U.S. President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) |

Russian influence in Eastern Europe is exacerbating the HIV epidemic, creating significant barriers to accessing treatment and prevention. The spread of conservative values, restrictions on the activities of NGOs working with at-risk groups, and the support of outdated methods of combating the epidemic are leading to an increase in new cases. How do geopolitics and internal issues of these countries affect the lives of thousands of people? Learn more in The Guardian's article: https://lnkd.in/eJUqeU7u Photo: © Marcus Rose / IAS Andriy Klepikov | Michel Kazatchkine | The Guardian | The Global Fund | Frontline AIDS | Elton John AIDS Foundation | UNDP | UNAIDS | International AIDS Society | Michael Kessler

At the opening of AIDS 2024, Andriy Klepikov, the Executive Director of the Alliance for Public Health, shared the stage with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz. His speech was met with prolonged standing ovations, and a flash mob with lanterns and air raid sirens was held in solidarity with Ukrainians who are fighting on all fronts against the enemy and battling dangerous diseases. In Munich, Germany, the 25th International AIDS Conference (AIDS 2024) has begun—the largest global conference dedicated to the fight against HIV/AIDS. More than 10,000 people living with HIV, activists, scientists, and government representatives have gathered to exchange experiences, develop new strategies, and celebrate achievements in the fight against HIV. The conference will take place from July 22 to 26, 2024. The opening of AIDS 2024 featured speeches by German Chancellor Olaf Scholz; Andriy Klepikov, Executive Director of the Alliance for Public Health; Sharon Lewin, President of the International AIDS Society (IAS); Christoph Spinner, Executive Director of the Department of Medicine and Strategy and Chief Medical Information Officer at the University Hospital rechts der Isar; Winnie Byanyima, Executive Director of UNAIDS; and Jay Mulucha, Executive Director of the Fem Alliance. The official ceremony was hosted by singer Vira Brezhneva and actress and presenter Annabelle Mandeng.

🤝 On July 21, 2024, EECA Regional Dialogue in preparation of The Global Fund multicountry program for the region for 2025 - 2027 took place. More than 40 participants from over 20 organisations visited the dialogue in person in Munich at the eve of #AIDS2024 and online - representatives of WHO Regional Office for Europe, БО "100% Жизни", Alliance for Public Health, Eurasian Harm Reduction Association, ECOM — Eurasian Coalition for Health, Rights, Gender and Sexual Diversity, #EWNA, #EKPC, #SEERCN, #HAC, #ITPCEECA, Eurasian Movement for the Right to Health in Prisons, Regional Expert Group on Migration and Health in Eastern Europe and Central Asia, #GHRN, Partnership Association, #PublicUnionStruggleAgainstAIDS, Social Equation Hub, ENPUD, Stronger Together, #CDC #PEPFAR in Central Asia, International AIDS Society. The participants discussed that the program will continue operating alongside the objectives of: catalytic interventions and HIV care cascade improvement, protection of human rights and policy change to reduce barriers to access, sustainability and program continuity. Themes that arose many discussions include: operation of NGOs in the shrinking civil society space, catalysing access to OST and PrEP, and protection of human rights of the vulnerable populations amidst repressive policies. Based on the dialogue outcomes, the consortium led by Alliance for Public Health will prepare a submission to the The Global Fund by early September 2024. Tetiana Deshko Andriy Klepikov Sergii Filippovych Vitaly Djuma #UNAIDSEECA Anya (Ganna) Dovbakh Anna Koshikova Nikolay Lunchenkov MD, MSc Denis Godlevskiy Daniel Kashnitsky Victoria Kalyniuk Maria Malakhova Alexandre Maruniak Stela Bivol

"Drug use decriminalization: lessons learned from advocacy in EECA region", Olena Kucheruk, EECA Drug Policy Commission "Human rights initiatives under strengthening of state control", Mari Chokheli, Social Equation Hub, Georgia "Community-based monitoring and response to criminalization  and other threats to human rights in the EECA region" Victoria Kalyniuk, Alliance for Public Health This discussion panel tackles critical issues surrounding drug use and HIV decriminalization in Eastern Europe and Central Asia (EECA). Experts will share their experiences and insights from past advocacy efforts, exploring the lessons learned in pushing for drug decriminalization. The panel will delve into the complexities of decriminalizing HIV alongside efforts to strengthen state control.Additionally, it will highlight the importance of community-led monitoring and response strategies to counter criminalization and other threats to human rights in the EECA region. This multifaceted dialogue aims to foster a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities for advancing policies that promote health, human rights, and social justice. International AIDS Society | International AIDS Conference

Daniel Kashnitsky - #PutPeopleFirstEECA Daniel Kashnitsky, Postdoctoral Researcher at Cermes3, Paris Cité University, and Academic Relations Coordinator for the Regional Expert Group on Migration and Health, highlights the critical need to prioritize the health of migrants and refugees. "Few governments are doing enough to protect migrant health. We have a long way to go. Migrant lives matter! #PutPeopleFirst" Join #PutPeopleFirstEECA and amplify voices from Eastern Europe and Central Asia. #AIDS2024 Watch his full message to learn why #PutPeopleFirst matters.  Learn more about #EECAatAIDS2024 at: aids2024.virusoff.info  International AIDS Society | International AIDS Conference | UNAIDS | БО "100% Жизни" | ITPC | Eurasian Harm Reduction Association | Regional Online Platform "Virus OFF"