Finland supports prevention of HIV/AIDS in the Republic of Karelia
Rapid increase in HIV infections has been documented in the Republic of Karelia, following the overall trend in the Russian Federation. The number of new HIV cases registered during the first ten months this year already exceeded the figure, which occurred during the previous two years. The increasing number of injecting drug users and commercial sex workers, as well as the high level of sexually transmitted infections are preconditions for epidemic spread of HIV in the republic.
Most HIV cases in Karelia are registered among injecting drug users. The majority of infections occur among young people under 25. The districts of Kostomuksha, Sortavala, Petrozavodsk, Louhi, Segezha and Kondopoga are of particular concern. Despite the fact that HIV infections in Karelia are relatively scarce compared with other regions of North-Western Russia, the authorities in the republic have a clear vision that urgent preventive measures against the epidemic are important.
The Government of Finland, being concerned about the situation in the neighbouring area of the Russian Federation and continuing traditions of good neighbourship, has contributed about $300,000 for the implementation of HIV-preventive activities in the Republic of Karelia, which, in its turn, expressed willingness to start the project in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO). With the Karelian partner WHO has designed activities to alleviate the problem.
The project will follow the preventive policy of WHO using methods, which have already proven their efficiency and effectiveness in other countries. The activities will take place in three cities of the Republic of Karelia - Petrozavodsk, Sortavala and Kostomuksha. It is a two-year pilot project with extension and more funds until 2004. The second phase will be implemented based on the experience received during the pilot phase.
The HIV prevention will be strengthened in the high-risk groups, such as injecting drug users and commercial sex workers. Epidemiological surveillance will be improved. An information campaign to promote safe behaviour among youth in general will be conducted. Sustainability of the activities will be enhanced by improving the capacity of relevant local institutions, and participation of governmental and non-governmental organizations. HIV prevention in the risk groups will lean on local human resources and will be partly financed from local funds.
HIV and AIDS are not only a medical problem. The health sector alone cannot successfully prevent the spread of the infection. Effective cooperation between relevant ministries, institutions and local municipalities is facilitated by the Inter-Sectoral Working Group, which is established under the Deputy Chairman of Government of the Republic of Karelia.
Additional information: Head of Unit Markku Kauppinen, tel 1341 5625