Alliance for Public Health

On November 25-26, 2024, the Second Regional Consultation on HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) took place in Almaty, Kazakhstan. The session "Innovations in PrEP Service Delivery" was moderated by Nadia Yanhol, Program Manager of the regional project #SoS_project 2.0. "Last week, AVAC presented the latest global official data on PrEP — 7.5 million people are taking PrEP. We need to remember this number and compare it with next year's data, as the main innovations in PrEP service delivery have taken place or will occur in 2024-2025. Speaking about the CEECA region today, we see how the 'market' for PrEP services is changing — injectable PrEP, pharmacy-based PrEP, and community-based PrEP. We also see excellent collaboration among all stakeholders involved in this process, which has been key to achieving these results," noted Nadia Yanhol. Key presentations of the session included: PrEP Distribution Through Pharmacies: Kazakhstan leads the way in implementing innovative approaches, ensuring access to PrEP through pharmacies and NGOs. A model showing how this approach improves PrEP accessibility was presented. Injectable PrEP in Ukraine: Ukraine was the first in the region to launch CAB-LA PrEP and has already enrolled more than 100 clients in three months. Participants learned about the practical aspects of implementing this innovation. The Role of Communities in Expanding PrEP Access: NGOs promote PrEP through various testing models and communication campaigns. The most successful examples of such campaigns in the region were presented. This consultation strengthened regional cooperation, opening new opportunities for implementing and monitoring PrEP programs. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/eKeh7aZK The event was organized by ECOM with the support of the Alliance for Public Health, World Health Organization (WHO), UNAIDS, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), FHI 360, USAID, and numerous local non-governmental organizations.

On December 11, 2024, the Alliance for Public Health (Ukraine), Aidsfonds, and Friends of the Global Fund Europe launched the policy report “The EU’s Levers to End HIV/AIDS in Ukraine.” The online event, hosted by MEP Vytenis Andriukaitis, concluded a multistakeholder dialogue addressing Ukraine’s HIV/AIDS epidemic and the EU’s critical role in the response. Ukraine’s efforts in tackling HIV/AIDS amidst the war were praised by René Steiner, Delegation of the EU to Ukraine, who stated, “Ukraine teaches us all how even with little means, you can make the best out of it.” The policy report outlines key recommendations for the EU’s future Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), the accession process, and the Ukraine Facility. Notably, the event brought together Members of the European Parliament (MEPs), representatives from the European Commission’s Delegation to Ukraine, the Mission of Ukraine to the EU, Poland’s National AIDS Centre, Ukraine’s Ministry of Health Public Health Center, ECECACD, as well as global health organisations such as the Global Fund, and European and Ukrainian CSOs. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/eKTSfYr3 Aidsfonds | Friends of the Global Fund Europe | The Global Fund | European Commission |

On December 10, the world celebrates International Human Rights Day, which reminds us of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) in 1948. This document symbolizes humanity’s quest for freedom, equality, and dignity. In 2024, the theme of this day sounds like a call to action: “Our rights, Our future, Right now”. However, in Eastern Europe and Central Asia (EECA), the events of recent years make us wonder: is the UDHR still a beautiful theory, far from real life? The region is witnessing serious deviations from the principles of the declaration. Basic rights are under attack: freedom of speech, freedom of assembly, protection of vulnerable groups, including LGBTIQ+ people, and the work of civil society organizations. The influence of external forces, primarily russia, is strengthening authoritarian tendencies and suppressing democratic aspirations. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/eNqjT9Sf

Vytenis Andriukaitis, member of the European Parliament, member of the Eastern and Central European and Central Asian Commission on Drug Policy (ECECACD) shared his vision regarding new EU Drug Strategy at the 6th European Harm Reduction Conference (#EHRC2024) in Warsaw today (December 2, 2024). He emphasized the crucial role of EU Parliament in fostering drug policy reforms in EU accession candidate countries such as Ukraine, Moldova and Balkan states. “Currently in EU we see increased voices oriented for security, including in public health and drug policy sphere. It poses a potential threat to a more balanced, less law enforcement-heavy approach. We must continue to prioritize human rights, the rule of law, and democratic values when discussing and designing policy reforms.” “New EU Drug Strategy should also suggest a vision and respective actions regarding EU accession candidate countries. It is a great chance for candidate countries, such as Balkan states, Ukraine, Moldova to make drug policy reforms within the EU accession process. Support from respective EU institutions would be very much needed to foster drug policy reforms in those countries.” Correlation - European Harm Reduction Network Global Commission on Drug Policy photo credits go to Eva Frenaij

Aleksander Kwasniewski, former President of Poland opened the 6th European Harm Reduction Conference (#EHRC2024) in Warsaw today (December 2, 2024). Mr. President shared his personal experience on how his views on drug policy evolved: “At the time of my Presidency I signed some restrictive drug-related laws. After my two Presidency terms I noticed harmful impact of that legislation. I was invited and gladly joined the Global Commission on Drug Policy and in 2019 initiated creation of the Eastern and Central European and Central Asian Commission on Drug policy (ECECACD). I joined the great team of former Presidents of states, Prime ministers, members of Parliaments, who also realized their mistakes regarding drug policy.  We joined to advocate for evidence-based and human rights oriented drug policy at the high political level. In EECA, where the geo-political context is very challenging, we will continue our work in order to oppose Russian narratives and approaches to drug policy. We must be champions to make changes for better.”   Correlation - European Harm Reduction Network photo credits go to Eva Frenaij

World AIDS Day 2024: ADDRESSING HIV DURING WARTIME IN UKRAINE — WE WILL WIN TOGETHER! On World AIDS Day, the Alliance for Public Health released a report summarizing 2024’s efforts to combat AIDS in Ukraine during the wartime. The Alliance identified the third of all new HIV cases and introduced groundbreaking innovations, including long-acting PrEP, ensuring continuous treatment. Mobile clinics expanded services to frontline areas, and humanitarian aid was provided to IDPs and military personnel. Digital solutions supported patients remotely, while harm reduction programs for drug users and advocacy for vulnerable populations' rights were also prioritized. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/eF4AKiCi The Global Fund | Centers for Disease Control and Prevention | USAID | Frontline AIDS | Christian Aid | Stop TB Partnership | UNOPS | World Health Organization (WHO) | UNAIDS | European AIDS Treatment Group | Aidsfonds | Elton John AIDS Foundation | Payoneer | Initiative France | Unitaid |

On November 25-26, 2024, the second regional consultation on HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) in Central Asia took place in Almaty, Kazakhstan, bringing together leading experts and key partners from the region for the second year in a row. This year's event brought together more than 120 participants from 15 countries, including national HIV partners, technical experts, representatives of civil society, international organizations and donors. Delegations from Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Vietnam, Germany and Thailand discussed the current state of PrEP programs, challenges and prospects for implementing innovative approaches to HIV prevention. This event has confirmed its importance as a platform for sharing experiences, identifying effective solutions, and developing regional strategies. The experience of the regional project on the sustainability of HIV services in the EECA region was presented by Sergiy Philippovych, Director of #SoS_project 2.0. He shared the results of the work and future plans within the regional project. In his report, Sergiy Philippovych emphasized the following: - Achievements of PrEP implementation in Eastern Europe and Central Asia, including the launch of the innovative CAB LA PrEP in Ukraine; - The main barriers to access to PrEP, including limited coverage of key populations, centralization of services, and confidentiality issues; - The results of the analysis of PrEP protocols in seven countries of the region, which were used to develop recommendations for their adaptation to WHO standards; - The importance of regional cooperation in developing differentiated service delivery models. The main plans of the project include further expansion of access to PrEP, strengthening of community-based program monitoring, and introduction of injectable PrEP in at least two countries in the region. Particular attention was paid to sustainable financing of PrEP programs through government and donor resources. The key topics of the meeting included: - The role of primary health care in implementing PrEP programs as a way to diversify services. - Experience of NGOs in implementing the EPIC project in Central Asia: challenges and effective solutions. - Sustainability and financing of PrEP programs in Central Asia. - Integration of mental health and care for people who use psychoactive substances with PrEP programs. - PrEP for trans* communities: barriers to access and ways to overcome them. The meeting was an important step towards strengthening regional partnerships, expanding access to innovative solutions and supporting the global goal of ending the HIV epidemic by 2030. The event is organized by ECOM with the support of the Alliance for Public Health, the World Health Organization (WHO), UNAIDS, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), FHI 360, USAID, and numerous local non-governmental organizations. Sergii Filippovych

On November 11–12, 2024, in Chișinău, Moldova, at the Nicolae Testemițanu State University of Medicine and Pharmacy, the IAS Educational Fund symposium titled "Uniting science and community to accelerate the HIV response in EECA" took place. The event aimed to provide access to the latest scientific data, particularly those presented at the "AIDS 2024" conference, and to discuss their applicability in the local contexts of Moldova and other EECA countries. Andriy Klepikov, Executive Director of the Alliance for Public Health and a member of the IAS Governing Council, delivered the opening speech. He expressed gratitude to partners and stakeholders whose contributions made the event possible and outlined the symposium's main objectives. In his address, Mr. Klepikov emphasized the benefits of IAS membership, presented key findings from the Munich conference, and focused on the ongoing HIV epidemic in the EECA region, where HIV continues to rise in contrast to other parts of the world. Special attention was given to the potential of innovative drugs such as lenacapavir, which could significantly influence efforts to combat the epidemic. The symposium also highlighted research findings on injectable cabotegravir, lenacapavir, doxy-PrEP, and PEP, as well as comprehensive prevention approaches. Andriy Klepikov stressed the importance of adapting services for displaced persons, responding to anti-LGBT laws in Africa, and avoiding the costs of inaction, which threaten to worsen the epidemic in the absence of strategic changes. Additionally, Mr. Klepikov co-moderated nearly all sessions, actively engaging participants in discussions. Among the symposium speakers were also Maria Malakhova and Galina Sergienko, who showcased their projects aimed at addressing the HIV epidemic in the region. Galina Sergienko participated in the panel discussion "How can we improve HIV-related services for adolescents and youth in EECA countries and Moldova?" She presented the DrugStore initiative, highlighting its innovative and personalized approach to reaching young people, engaging them in services, and reducing risks among vulnerable groups. Maria Malakhova spoke at the panel discussion "What is the role of technology and innovative approaches in the HIV response?" During the session "Innovative approaches in the HIV response across academia, science, and community work" she introduced TWIIN – a digital assistant currently being piloted in Ukraine. Maria emphasized how this technology can expand access to HIV services and address various existing challenges. She also announced plans to implement TWIIN in Moldova and Georgia in the coming years. The event served as a significant platform for exchanging experiences, scientific achievements, and innovative approaches to addressing current challenges in the fight against HIV. International AIDS Society | Andriy Klepikov | Maria Malakhova |

Within project 'Innovate, Involve, Inspire: Preventing Hepatitis C Through Community-Led Harm Reduction (HEPC III), led by the Frontline AIDS consortium, Alliance for Public Health (APH) together with MENAHRA is conducting a kickoff training from November 10-14, 2024. It is especially exciting as this training is preceding a very important intervention – hepatitis C treatment initiation using simplified approach for people who inject drugs in community settings, a study and intervention within UNITAID project, that is deemed to change Hepatitis C responses in 3 project countries. With PWID driving Hepatitis C epidemic globally (23% of new cases related to intravenous drug use) and being severely affected by Hepatitis C (about 50% estimated to be infected globally), yet less than half have ever been tested for Hepatitis C and less than 5% accessing treatment we are working on a very important intervention to bridge this gap of treatment access for the most affected population. It is a kick off training, as we are about to be starting work in the field the coming month. Sofosbuvir has arrived in Kyrgyzstan and tests will follow. Nigeria will get the medications in December. So we are just a step from reaching out to PWID and initiating community treatment interventions. Therefore the multidisciplinary teams of coordinator, doctors, social workers, researchers are working together to plan the forthcoming intervention. APH is happy to share the experience of Ukraine in community-based Hepatitis C treatment program, which has provided treatment to 13,000 key population representatives across Ukraine. In this project we are developing the study protocol, supporting the countries in implementation, including through this training, procuring Hepatitis C medications and tests. This program became possible thanks to the vision, ambition and partnership of Frontline AIDS, UK-based organization of which APH is proud to be a member and that gathered us in partnership and a consortium for this project. We are holding the training in Cairo, Egypt, for a reason. Egypt was awarded ‘gold tier’ status from WHO on path to elimination of hepatitis C by WHO in 2023. What an inspiration it was to hear from Deputy Minister of Health and Population Dr Mohammad Hassany about the incredible public heath success story that Egypt demonstrated to the world in taking control of Hepatitis C epidemic! Some lessons of success story in the video! More: https://bit.ly/3Z1SGso Frontline AIDS | Unitaid | MENAHRA

Ukraine avoided a tuberculosis epidemic. In the spring of 2022, international experts predicted a major tuberculosis epidemic in Ukraine following russia's ground invasion. This is due to the fact that, historically, wars have almost always been accompanied by a significant increase in tuberculosis morbidity and mortality. "But this didn’t happen thanks to hard work, early diagnostics, and fruitful partnerships between governments, medical institutions, civil society, and local communities," says Andriy Klepikov, executive director of the Alliance for Public Health. Learn more in the Norwegian publication Panorama Nyheter: https://bit.ly/4feCkBY