IP UCIMP

Strengthening Tuberculosis Control and Reducing AIDS-Related Mortality in the Republic of Moldova

About the project

Project description

The project supports the objective of increasing access to HIV prevention services by strengthening and expanding the availability of high-quality harm reduction (HR) services for key populations/Integrated Harm Reduction Services (IHRS) beneficiaries and their partners, as well as services that promote adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) and opioid agonist therapy (OAT).

Through a comprehensive package of integrated services, the project contributes to achieving the prevention and treatment objectives and indicators of the National HIV/AIDS/STI Control Programme. Harm reduction activities are implemented in accordance with the national regulatory framework and international recommendations on HIV prevention and harm reduction.

The project complies with the provisions of the Order of the Ministry of Health, Labour and Social Protection No. 278 of 18 March 2020, approving the Standard for the Organization and Functioning of HIV Prevention Services for Key Populations, including Young People from These Groups, which establishes the minimum quality and performance standards for services provided to vulnerable populations.

The project is also aligned with Government Decision No. 232/2017, approving the Framework Regulation for the Organization and Functioning of the Integrated Social Service for People Who Use Psychoactive Substances and Patients Receiving Opioid Agonist Therapy, together with the related Minimum Quality Standards.

By complying with these legal and regulatory frameworks, AO "Pas cu Pas regiunea Sud" ensures an integrated approach based on quality standards and harm reduction principles, contributing to the strengthening of community- and regional-level HIV prevention services. The project is implemented in accordance with the existing national regulations on HIV infection and follows the international recommendations of the World Health Organization (WHO), UNAIDS, UNFPA, and other international organizations, as well as operational guidelines and standards governing the delivery of HIV harm reduction services for key populations, including young people.

The proposed activities aim to ensure the delivery of a comprehensive and standardized package of services to the target groups and their families through coordinated actions and close partnership among all stakeholders involved in the implementation of this component.

Status Active project
Implementation area Cahul, Cantemir, Leova, Comrat, Ceadîr-Lunga, Vulcănești
Partner IP UCIMP

Project direction

Goal and objectives

Expanding access to psychosocial support services, as well as other essential services for people living with HIV (PLHIV), sex workers (SW), people who inject drugs (PWID), men who have sex with men (MSM), and their close social networks, in order to promote effective social reintegration, improve quality of life, increase adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART), and support adherence to opioid agonist therapy (OAT) among PWID.

The prevention of HIV/AIDS and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) is a public health priority that extends beyond the healthcare sector, affecting social, economic, and development-related aspects of society. Due to its complexity, it requires coordinated and comprehensive interventions across multiple sectors.

In implementing its activities, AO "Pas cu Pas regiunea Sud" aligns its interventions with the recommendations of the World Health Organization (WHO), UNAIDS, and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), as well as with the Quality Standards for HIV Prevention Services for Key Populations, including young people from these groups. The organization promotes the implementation of a comprehensive package of evidence-based harm reduction interventions targeting people who inject drugs (PWID), sex workers (SW), men who have sex with men (MSM), and beneficiaries of opioid agonist therapy (OAT).

Contributing to the achievement of the international 90-90-90 targets: 90% of people living with HIV know their HIV status, 90% of those diagnosed receive antiretroviral therapy (ART), and 90% of those on treatment achieve viral suppression, while also working toward the elimination of mother-to-child HIV transmission.

Reducing stigma and discrimination against people living with HIV and key populations through community awareness and education campaigns.

Improving access to HIV prevention and treatment services, including opioid agonist therapy (OAT) and psychosocial support to strengthen adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART), through information and outreach activities targeting key populations.

Strengthening intersectoral collaboration through the active involvement of local public authorities, healthcare institutions, public health centres, the police, social services, and community partners.

What we aim for

Results

Reducing the risks associated with injecting drug use and/or unprotected sexual activity.

Reducing the prevalence of HIV infection, syphilis, and viral hepatitis (HBV/HCV) among beneficiaries of Harm Reduction Programmes (HRPs).

Improving the quality of life and health of beneficiaries.

Maintaining regular contact with beneficiaries to facilitate referrals to healthcare and social support services.

PWID/PWUD – People Who Inject Drugs / People Who Use Non-Injecting Drugs.
SW – Sex Workers.
MSM – Men Who Have Sex with Men.
PLHIV – People Living with HIV.

Who we address

Beneficiaries

The change we create

Impact

Reduced transmission of HIV, viral hepatitis (HBV/HCV), and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among key populations.
Improved health outcomes and quality of life for vulnerable groups through access to integrated health and psychosocial support services.
Increased adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) and opioid agonist therapy (OAT), contributing to lower AIDS-related mortality.
Reduced high-risk behaviours associated with drug use and unprotected sexual practices through harm reduction interventions.
Expanded access to healthcare, social, and psychological support services for key populations and their families.
Reduced stigma and discrimination against people living with HIV and other vulnerable groups through awareness-raising and community engagement.
Strengthened referral mechanisms and cooperation between civil society organizations and healthcare and social service providers.

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