The project aims to provide the population, especially among men who have sex with men (MSM), with information about the availability of free HIV prevention services in Ukraine, and to operate temporary shelters for internally displaced persons from LGTBIQ+ groups.
Context
Since the beginning of Russia’s large-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, vulnerable LGTBIQ+ communities have found themselves in difficult life circumstances. Together with the general population, LGBTIQ+ persons migrate between the regions of Ukraine to escape the war. As internally displaced persons, they need social, medical, psychological and legal support at their new places. Because of high stigmatization of these communities, many LGBTIQ+ persons cannot afford to rent housing and need to find shelter. Due to the consequences of the war, the epidemiological situation regarding HIV, viral hepatitis and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) has worsened in Ukraine. The development of community centers and other “safe spaces” for LGBTIQ+, protecting human rights, running information campaigns and national advocacy for LGBTIQ+’s access to rights and health, are greatly needed.
Description
The project is implemented through:
- Creating and disseminating information on pre-exposure prophylaxis of HIV infection in Ukraine with a convenient registration mechanism for obtaining pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) in Ukraine,
- Promoting the availability of free HIV prevention services for mostly MSM/LGBTIQ+ groups via collaboration with a number of existing online platforms,
- Obtaining new clients for prevention services through information campaigns, and the involvement of new opinion leaders to inform about HIV prevention
- Providing “safe space” for MSM/LGBTIQ+ individuals who are internally displaced people and facing difficult situations, based on operating shelters in Kyiv, Kharkiv and Lviv, including the provision of comprehensive social and psychological support to clients and peer-to-peer advice to re-socialise them.
Impact
Expectations include increasing commitment for PrEP and HIV services for MSM, raising awareness of safe sexual behaviour, fostering a culture of regular testing for HIV, STIs and the use of PrEP, and promoting a healthy lifestyle for key populations. Supporting shelters will help people having multiple vulnerabilities to restore themselves in a new location.
