The first Fast-Track Cities workshop for the Central and Eastern European region, organized by the International Association of Providers of AIDS Care, kicked off today in Vienna. This important event attracted professionals and experts from across the region to discuss and find solutions in the fight against HIV, HCV and TB.
“The Alliance for Public Health has been implementing the FTC approach since 2017. Cities have made significant strides in improving municipal responses and meeting 95-95-95 goals. This workshop is a good platform to share best practices and align local programs with the most successful interventions”,- Eugene Kushnir, Senior Program Manager, Alliance for Public Health.
The first plenary session was addressed by Zahed Islam, Director of Treatment, Procurement and Supply Management Department, IBF Public Health Alliance, and #SoS_2.0 project partner, Sanja Sisovic, Program Director, CAZAS Podgorica, Montenegro. The Ukrainian delegation, including representatives from Odessa, Krivoy Rog and Dnipro, is actively participating in the event.
The main focus of the workshop is to understand the situation for people and communities affected by HIV and HCV in Central and Eastern Europe, both before and after the war in Ukraine. Participants will also analyze the situation related to HIV, HCV and opioid use in the region and examine the links between sex work, transmissible diseases and the impact of the war and the COVID-19 pandemic.
The workshop program will include presentations, plenary sessions and city case study presentations on HIV, TB and HCV responses. One of the key topics will be to consider scaling up testing to overcome late diagnosis and detection of HIV, as well as the stigma associated with these diseases and measures to address it.
An important aspect of the workshop will be the discussion of operational issues related to the continuum of care for people with HIV and HCV in Ukraine and refugees from Ukraine to the EU/EEA. In addition, participants will have the opportunity to take part in the WORLD CAFÉ, where projects targeting specific populations will be discussed.
The opening of the Fast-Track Cities workshop in Vienna reflects the participants’ commitment to join forces to fight HIV, HCV and TB in Central and Eastern Europe. This event gives hope for effective solutions and a solid foundation for health and well-being in the region.
