On the 20th of April in the premises of Vinnitsa Regional AIDS Center hosted a round table, which was dedicated to interaction of non-governmental sector and governmental structures regarding allocation of funds to harm reduction programs for vulnerable groups as part of the regional program for HIV/AIDS.
In the event was attended by chief doctors and specialists of specialized medical institutions of the region, activists of vulnerable communities and representatives of non- governmental organizations.
Most of the time was dedicated to discussion regarding set-up the mechanism by which will cooperate AIDS Center, Vinnytsia regional narcological Dispensary “Sociotherapy”, NGOs and other structures that also involved in the fight against HIV/AIDS in Vinnitsa region.
The Regional Coordinator of the NGO “Gay-alliance” in Vinnitsa region Tetiana Nikelsen emphasized about importance providing allocation of funds to harm reduction programs for vulnerable groups this year as stipulated in the program.
After long discussions, participants in the event have decided:
– Instruct to Tetiana Nikelsen to conduct a meeting with representatives of the Department of Health regarding terms the allocation of funds for harm reduction programs;
– Provide to Nikelsen statistical data regarding the current queue in Vinnytsia region to substitution therapy program for justification of the need the fastest allocation of funds for the purchase of OST drugs.
For reference:
The work on strengthening and capacity building of vulnerable communities implemented by NGO «Gay-alliance» by direction «Social mobilization, strengthening of ties, cooperation and coordination» among vulnerable groups IDUs/OST, sex workers, MSM and former prisoners in 5 regions of Ukraine (Odessa, Kherson, Vinnytsia, Cherkasy, Kirovohrad), and funded by the ACO “All-Ukrainian Network of PLWH” and the ICF “Alliance for Public health”.
