Prevention and control of HIV / AIDS, STIs and TB

2005-2006

Based on the lessons learned during the project implementation in 2003-2004 in Gegharkunik Marz, UMCOR developed a comprehensive approach for reducing the spread of HIV/AIDS/STIs as well as TB by adding new activities to its existing program and by expanding to new geographical areas. In 2005-2006, UMCOR applied this model for two new provinces of Armavir and Kotayk.

The overall objectives of the project are to:

1. Raise awareness of HIV/AIDS, STIs and TB in the selected communities, aiming at improving peoples' health-seeking behavior and decreasing their vulnerability to HIV.
2. Increase the access of vulnerable groups to preventive and clinical services.
3. Reduce the spread of HIV/AIDS, STIs and TB among the most vulnerable groups (women, youth, uprooted people).

Planned Activities:

1. Train local doctors and nurses on management (counseling, testing, referrals) of patients at risk of HIV/AIDS, STIs and TB.
2. Train CHCWs to communicate health information effectively to their communities.
3. Public health education through sessions and printed materials (brochures, booklets, posters) for community groups, including men.
4. Counseling, clinical examinations and voluntary laboratory testing to risk groups to diagnose STIs and HIV/AIDS, and treatment of STIs, as well as detection of new cases of TB and follow up of the treatment. All abovementioned services are provided by the Mobile Medical team.
5. Provision of condoms free of charge in order to further reduce the risk and vulnerability to STIs and HIV/AIDS.

UMCOR is also a member of the Country Coordination Commission on HIV/AIDS, TB and Malaria Prevention, as well as a member of the UNAIDS Working Group. These memberships allow UMCOR to be well informed about the HIV/AIDS situation in Armenia and to ensure it is aligned be in line with National Program on HIV/AIDS Prevention, as well as coordinate its activities with other local and international agencies.

Regardless of the fact that in 2003 Armenia received funds from the Global Fund to fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria (GFATM) to support the National Program on HIV/AIDS prevention, this does not address HIV/AIDS issues on all levels. In fact, interventions in rural communities targeted by UMCOR are not covered by the National project. However, this gap is well covered by UMCOR and the current project implemented on a grassroots level. The UMCOR model of addressing HIV/AIDS prevention has proved to be successful and applicable for rural communities already in three provinces. The extension of the geographical area for UMCOR's intervention would be a great support for the National Program of HIV Prevention in Armenia.