AFEW Projects  

Men who have sex with men: HIV/STI prevention and support project

Duration:
June 2005 – June 2006

Donors:
European Commission (EC), Swedish International Development and Cooperation Agency  (SIDA), Elton John AIDS Foundation (EJAF).

Partners:
Noaks Ark-Red Cross Sweden (Noaks Ark), Ukrainian NGO Gay Alliance.

Country and regions:
Kyiv, Ukraine

Background:

The number of HIV-positive people in Ukraine has increased from 1,673 in 1995 to 74,856 as of 31 December 2004 (National AIDS Centre, 2004). Experts estimate that the actual figures are 5-10 times the official numbers. Until now, the majority of infections have been among injecting drug users, but HIV is spreading quickly via sexual transmission.  Men who have sex with men (MSM) are a particular concern because of the stigma they face, lack of knowledge about HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and high-risk sexual behaviour.

Gay Alliance and AFEW are very concerned about the results of surveys conducted in the past five years showing the lack of information about HIV/AIDS/STIs available to MSM and the high levels of risk-taking behaviour among the community. The surveys demonstrate that many MSM are highly vulnerable to HIV/AIDS and there is a clear need for a targeted response to prevent HIV//STIs among MSM. Gay Alliance is to date the only NGO in Ukraine to specifically deliver direct services, information and education to MSM on HIV/AIDS and related topics. The NGO approached AFEW for capacity-building support. AFEW and Gay Alliance designed this proposed project together with representatives of the target group, other stakeholders and after thorough consideration of the needs of MSM with regard to HIV/AIDS/STIs in Kiev and in Ukraine based on available surveys, desk research and interviews with key stakeholders plus taking into account the large gap in coverage of HIV/STI prevention and support services for MSM in the country.

Overall goal:

To prevent and reduce the transmission of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), as well as break barriers to sexual choice and to available diagnostic, care and support services for MSM in Kiev/Ukraine.

Main specific objectives:

• To establish and sustain a local, community-based support system for MSM in Kiev and to increase the access of MSM to adequate diagnostic, care and support services, as well as prevention means (include condoms and lubricants).

• To empower, educate and equip MSM in Kiev on HIV/AIDS/STI and related issues with the aim to increase their capacity to assess risky behaviours and choose safer sexual options.

• To facilitate a dialogue and improve communication and collaboration between local gatekeepers (owners of local gay bars and clubs), NGOs and the government.