Statistics
Statistics
Prevention programs for people who inject drugs (PWID)
In 2022, 50 NGOs, 27 mobile outpatient clinics and 16 mobile teams implemented HIV, STI and TB prevention programs among PWID. Clients received sterile injecting equipment, condoms and alcohol wipes, counseling, assisted testing for HIV, hepatitis B, C and syphilis, and early tuberculosis detection services.
In projects funded by the Global Fund and PEPFAR, 19,529 PWID received the minimum package of services during the reporting period (syringe or needle, condom, counseling), and 89,240 PWID underwent assisted HIV testing using rapid tests and received results. In 2022, 5,654 PWID received positive HIV test results, and 4,541 PWID sought care at health facilities after referral. 3,820 PWID confirmed their positive result (newly diagnosed) and 4,513 PWID started ART (including those who were tested/confirmed in the previous period).
Prevention programs for sex workers (SW)
In 2022, 34 NGOs implemented HIV and STI prevention programs among key populations. Clients received condoms, counseling, assisted testing for HIV, hepatitis B, C and syphilis, as well as early tuberculosis detection services.
In projects funded by the Global Fund, 4,098 sex workers received the minimum package of prevention services (condoms, counseling), and 6,970 sex workers underwent assisted HIV testing using rapid tests and received results. In 2022, 419 SWs received positive HIV test results, and 101 SWs sought care at a health facility after referral. 71 KPs confirmed their positive test result (were newly diagnosed) and 92 KPs started ART (including those who were tested/confirmed in the previous period).
Prevention programs for men who have sex with men (MSM)
During 2022, 33 NGOs implemented HIV and STI prevention programs among MSM. Clients received condoms, lubricants, counseling, assisted testing for HIV, hepatitis B, C and syphilis, as well as early tuberculosis detection services.
In projects funded by the Global Fund and USAID, 8,299 MSM received the minimum package of services (condoms and counseling), and 9,384 MSM underwent assisted HIV testing using rapid tests and received results. In 2022, 157 MSM received positive HIV test results, and 150 MSM sought care at health facilities after referral. 133 MSM confirmed their positive test result (were newly identified) and 140 MSM started ART (including those who were tested/confirmed in the previous period).
Prevention programs for trans* people
In 2022, 12 NGOs implemented HIV and STI prevention programs for trans* people. Clients received condoms, lubricants, counseling, assisted testing for HIV, hepatitis B, C, and syphilis, as well as early detection of tuberculosis.
In the projects supported by the Global Fund, 3,694 trans* people received the minimum package of services (condoms and counseling), and 3,614 trans* people underwent assisted HIV testing using rapid tests and received results. 10 trans* people received a positive result, 8 trans* people came to health facilities after referral, confirmed their positive results and started ART.
Research among key populations on HIV infection, implemented in 2022
- Needs of key populations and non-governmental organizations, experience of receiving and providing HIV services during the war
During 2022, the Alliance conducted several assessments and surveys on the needs of key populations, their experience of receiving HIV prevention and treatment services, and the adaptation of the NGO network to the provision of relevant services. All the findings were systematized and presented in the “Generalized report on the results of research and routine monitoring among key populations and NGOs on the needs, access to and provision of HIV services during the war in Ukraine” (https://aph.org.ua/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Report_War__5.09.2022_Red_Red.pdf), which was prepared within the framework of the project “Improving the HIV treatment cascade for key populations through differentiated identification of new cases and engagement in treatment, capacity building of the Public Health Center of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine and strategic information in Ukraine”.
The main topics covered in the research include changes in the daily lives of people who inject drugs (PWID), men who have sex with men (MSM), sex workers (SW) and trans* people after February 24, 2022; risky HC practices in the context of war; experience of using NGO services and needs of clients; experience of receiving ART, OST and PEP in the context of war; functioning of NGOs in the context of war and challenges faced by professionals in the provision of services.
The results of the research were presented at a meeting of the Joint Cluster on HIV, Tuberculosis and Hepatitis coordinated by WHO and the Center for Public Health, and the experience of conducting HIV research in the context of full-scale war was presented at the Third Scientific Workshop on HIV, Hepatitis C and Tuberculosis in Eastern Europe and Central Asia, EECA INTERACT 2022, held on December 13-14, 2022 in Riga, Latvia. (https://eeca-interact.org/).
- Barriers and facilitators to HIV diagnosis, treatment initiation and retention on ART among PLWHA under 25 and female PLWHA during the war in Ukraine
Within the framework of the project “Improving the HIV treatment cascade for key populations through differentiated detection of new cases and engagement in treatment, capacity building of the State Institution “Center for Public Health of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine” and strategic information in Ukraine”, the study “Barriers and facilitators to HIV detection, treatment initiation and retention on ART among PLWH under 25 and female PLWH during the war in Ukraine” was conducted (https://aph.org.ua/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Report-barriers-HIV-among-PWID-Ukr.pdf.pdf).
The results of this research identified the profile of young PWID and women PWID who are not tested for HIV, have not started or continue treatment; analyzed perceptions, barriers and motivation to get tested for HIV and start ART; explored obstacles and difficulties in regular medication and retention on ART; studied the role of professionals and the immediate environment in starting and regularly taking ART, as well as information channels and messages that should be used to engage target groups in HIV services. Additionally, the needs of PWID for such services as OST, hepatitis and STI treatment were analyzed.
A separate issue that was addressed in the study was the impact of the war on testing, treatment initiation and retention on ART. In the context of a full-scale war, participants say that there is no point in taking care of their own health, and, accordingly, in getting tested and starting treatment. Some of them do not have the means to travel to medical facilities, rely on the words of acquaintances and friends about, for example, destroyed ART sites or medical facilities in the locality, and mostly exaggerate the existing obstacles, using the current conditions as an excuse not to learn about their HIV status or start treatment.
