On February 6th-9th, delegations from Almaty (Kazakhstan), Batumi, Tbilisi (Georgia) and Kyiv (Ukraine) conducted a study and knowledge-sharing visit to Amsterdam (The Netherlands) to learn about the experience and best practices in building successful and sustainable city models of responses to HIV in key populations. The visit was organized by AFEW International and Alliance for Public Health.

The group of 16 people included Head of Republican AIDS Center from Kazakhstan, Deputy Chief Doctor of AIDS City Center of Almaty, Deputy Head of State Health Department of City of Almaty, Head of the Department of Health and Social Services of Tbilisi City Hall, Deputy Director General of NCDCPH, Minister of Health and Social Care, the Government of Autonomous Republic of Adjara, representatives of “Fast-Track TB/HIV responses for key populations in EECA cities” project implementing NGOs, and representatives of the key populations.

During the study tour different partners of AFEW International shared models, experiences and activities that demonstrate successes and challenges in increasing access to health for key populations. The participants had the opportunity to talk to civil servants and different health actors within the Netherlands and discussed initiatives to reach out to key populations to increase their quality of life. The participants met with representatives of municipality, police and NGOs working with these key populations and discussed different forms of collaboration. On February 6th the High official meeting was organized with the participation of Eric van der Burg, the Deputy Mayor of Amsterdam and Lambert Grijns, the SRHR Ambassador of Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

“Fast-Track TB/HIV responses for key populations in EECA cities” project implementing NGOs will use the best practices of Amsterdam and the Netherlands responses in their HIV/TB programs.