Elena Kiryushina, UNAIDS Youth and Gender Equality Officer, addresses the pressing issue of gender-based violence and its impact on HIV situation in Eastern Europe and Central Asia. With 70.4% of adult women in the region experiencing GBV and 52% facing physical abuse after an HIV diagnosis, she stresses the urgent need for action. “Putting people […]
Latsin Alijev, Chairman of the Board of the Estonian Network of People Living with HIV, and #BaltHUB Member shares his inspiring message. “Now that we have learned to test and treat HIV infection, provide support and care for people living with HIV – we are missing only one thing. Learn to live as human beings,
Armen Aghajanov, LGBT+ and HIV activist, emphasises the need to replace walls with bridges of understanding, solidarity, and support. “Let’s put people first because everyone deserves a life marked by dignity and opportunity.” Armen’s message highlights the importance of breaking down barriers and ensuring access to compassionate healthcare for all, especially the most vulnerable.Join #PutPeopleFirstEECA
Vera Ilyenkova, UNAIDS Key Populations & Community Engagement Adviser, emphasises the power of strong and united communities in Eastern Europe and Central Asia. Communities tackle inequalities and advocate for policy change by reducing antiretroviral prices, promoting human rights-based HIV services, and integrating peer consultants and social workers in public institutions. “#PutPeopleFirst means empowering communities to
Eleanora Hvazdziova, UNAIDS Regional Program Adviser highlights the need for a public health approach in Eastern Europe and Central Asia to ensure the most vulnerable have access to all services without discrimination. “Walls are not the answer. Let’s put people first!” Join #PutPeopleFirstEECA and amplify the voices from and for Eastern Europe and Central Asia.
Ganna Dovbakh, Executive Director at Eurasian Harm Reduction Association, network uniting 335 organizations and activists from 29 countries, highlights the importance of decriminalizing drug use and ensuring access to harm reduction services. “Putting people in jail is not an answer. Let’s put people first!” Join #PutPeopleFirstEECA and amplify the voices from and for Eastern Europe
Meet Vladimir Dodon, Head of the “Therapeutic Community” department at “Positive Initiative” in Moldova. Living with HIV for 26 years, Vladimir shares his journey and the need for change: “Decriminalizing drug use, sex work, and HIV transmission is crucial. We must put people first.” Join #PutPeopleFirstEECA and amplify voices from Eastern Europe and Central Asia.
Lilit Martirosyan, trans activist, founder of “Right Side Human Rights Defender” NGO, Armenia on #PutPeopleFirstEECA. “HIV protection is crucial for trans, LGBIQ, and sex worker communities in Armenia. It’s not just about healthcare and education, but also about shaping policies that directly impact their health and well-being”. “Trans people and sex workers must have a
Vitaly Djuma, Executive director of ECOM on #PutPeopleFirstEECA Stigma, discrimination, and restrictive laws hinder the HIV response, particularly for the LGBT community, which possesses immense expertise and skills. The barriers being built in our region further divide communities and undermine dignity and rights. “Put people first means the HIV response should be guided by the
Andriy Klepikov, AIDS 2024 Regional Co-Chair and Executive Director of Alliance for Public Health from Ukraine on #PutPeopleFirstEECA “#PutPeopleFirst by accepting & supporting everyone, respecting their rights & diversity”. In Eastern Europe & Central Asia, to #endAIDS we must focus on the needs of communities and center on a person amidst epidemics, crisis and wars.”