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Abstract

Statement: Ukraine has one of the highest rates of HIV and hepatitis transmission in the world due a great part to intravenous drug use. Purpose: The Mykolaiv charity foundation 鈥淰ykhod鈥� implemented the Respond Project, an effort to treat clients with contagious diseases, specifically HIV. The Health of Partners component looks at treating HIV sexual partners Method: The foundation focused on southern Ukraine for three month time periods in 2016 and 2017, testing overs 1000 subjects. Samples represent Nikolaev City, Bashtank, New Bug, Voznesensk, Pervomaisk and Ochakiv in the oblast of Nikolaev Findings: 1. Participating clients report an increase in the use of condoms and talking frankly about HIV and sexual behavior as they relate to using drugs. Information received at 鈥淰ykhod鈥� proved decisive in actions taken. 2. Clients report that they now feel they can live as HIV survivors rather than most certainly die from a terminal illness. 3. HIV positive drug users now talk more openly to their sexual partners who may not be infected and how important medical treatment is to reduce the likelihood of transmission. 4. 鈥淰ychod鈥� staff used their expertise to force strong bonds with clients as well as partnering public health organizations. 5. Funding from donors such as USAID has given the program more positive attention especially from potential European contributors. 6. Program evaluation efforts are utilized and provide useful best lessons and practices. Conclusion: Respond preventive behavior techniques can effectively reduce the spread of HIV. An expansion of the program can have positive benefits across Ukraine

Biography

Michael Ardovino has over ten years experience working in international development and is currently a volunteer for a health NGO in Mykolaiv, Ukraine. He has a PhD and research in political science focusing on Eastern Europe. He is a former research analyst at USAID.

E-mail: ardovinomike@gmail.com