Many EECA countries have national harm reduction programmes, but there are multiple challenges, including human rights violations, insufficient funding and military conflict, which impact access to HIV, hepatitis C and TB prevention and treatment services. During the session, speakers from different countries of the EECA region shared good practice models – community-led and integrated person-centred services, including those established for and by people who use drugs and people with experience of imprisonment.

The discussion was moderated by the UIPHP senior researcher Tetiana Kiriazova. 

In her oral presentation, the UIPHP researcher Myroslava Filippovych shared the results of the pilot stage (2021) and intermediate results of the main stage (2022-2024) of the study "The simplified HCV integrated management model in OAT clinics in Ukraine" conducted by our Institute. The availability of free HCV treatment at the OAT sites has been shown by our researchers to significantly increase access to this life-saving treatment and improve the attractiveness of the OAT programs among people who use drugs.

M. Filippovych. The simplified HCV integrated management model in OAT clinics in Ukraine

The International AIDS Conference, organized and hosted by the International AIDS Society (IAS), is the premier global platform to advance the global HIV response. As the world’s largest conference on HIV/AIDS, it occupies a unique place at the intersection of science, advocacy and human rights, bringing together scientists, policy makers, activists, healthcare professionals, people living with HIV, funders, media and communities. bringing together scientists, policy makers, healthcare providers, people living with HIV, funders, media, and communities. Since 1985, the conference has served as an opportunity to strengthen policies and programmes that ensure an evidence-based response to HIV and related epidemics.