AFEW: For journalists >> Extension of HIV/AIDS projects in Ukraine and the Russian Federation

Extension of HIV/AIDS projects in Ukraine and the Russian Federation

Two million Euro earmarked from the Dutch National Postal Code Lottery for AIDS Foundation East-West (AFEW) and Medecins Sans Frontieres-Holland (MSF)

Amsterdam, Moscow, Kyiv, 3 June 2003
Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) and AIDS Foundation East-West (AFEW) will extend their HIV/AIDS programmes in Ukraine and the Russian Federation. This has been made possible through a contribution of €2 million from the Dutch National Postal Code Lottery.

In Ukraine MSF will begin treatment of HIV-positive mothers, their partners and children. The existing programmes aimed at the prevention of the transmission of HIV from mother to child will continue.

In the Russian Federation AFEW will initiate programmes aimed at the prevention mother-to-child transmission of HIV. In Ukraine, a mass media campaign on safe sex will be launched, focused also at creating solidarity with people living with HIV/AIDS.

MSF and AFEW strive to prove through pilot projects that reliable and affordable treatment for people living with HIV/AIDS is possible and necessary.

The number of people infected with HIV in Ukraine and the Russian Federation is rapidly growing. A large part of this group consists of injecting drug users. Infection is spreading more and more among the rest of the population. Currently, the number of people living with HIV/AIDS is estimated at one to two million people in both countries.

In comparison, in 2001 Western Europe counted 560 000 people living with HIV/AIDS.

For some years already MSF and AFEW have been working at preventing and controlling HIV/AIDS in Ukraine and the Russian Federation. Thanks to the contribution of the Dutch Postal Code Lottery, MSF and AFEW will be able to considerably extend these programmes. Furthermore, it enables MSF to start pilot projects for treatment of HIV-positive children, mothers and their partners through anti-retroviral therapy.

For further information, please contact:
· Public Relations Department, Medecins Sans Frontieres-Holland: + 31 (0)20-520 8776 or +31(0) 6-54 394 727
· Communications Department, AIDS Foundation East-West (AFEW): + 7 095-250 6377