Written by Jake Rashbass, Senior Program Lead, Eastern Europe and Central Asia
March 8th marks International Women’s Day, a celebration of women’s achievements and an opportunity to accelerate gender equality. Today, we want to celebrate the amazing achievements of the incredible women working on programmes supported by the Elton John AIDS Foundation around the world, especially in Eastern Europe and Central Asia where International Women’s Day has been celebrated for over 100 years and is a national holiday in many countries.
Ending the AIDS epidemic in Eastern Europe and Central Asia
Over the past decade, the rate of new HIV infections in Eastern Europe and Central Asia has increased by 72% despite declining globally. If we want to end the AIDS epidemic worldwide, we must ensure that no one is left behind. This is why we’ve been making extra efforts in recent years to support communities in Eastern Europe and Central Asia to help turn the tide on HIV, and we are now the largest philanthropic donor for HIV-related programming in the region. In 2020 alone, our partners in Eastern Europe and Central Asia provided HIV-related services to over 168,000 people from the region’s most vulnerable communities.
The teams implementing the projects supported by the Foundation in Eastern Europe and Central Asia are made up of creative and strategic visionaries who are passionate about helping their communities to live healthy lives.
With each and every day, the women on these teams are getting us all closer to a world where a person’s HIV status has no impact on their quality of life and access to opportunities. It is an honour to work with and learn from these compassionate leaders.
We are honoured to introduce just a few of the women who are taking action against HIV in Eastern Europe and Central Asia. Discover more about their work and what motivates them to drive change across the region.
Alina, Online Testing Coordinator
Alina works at Humanitarian Project in Novosibirsk, Russia, and is responsible for processing client applications for home-based HIV testing and arranging for self-testing kits to be delivered. Alongside her main role, Alina also works as a peer counsellor to support people living with HIV.
“Through our work in the community, I hope to serve as an example for people, inspiring them to start treatment and to understand that their life has value.”
Yana P., Psychologist
“The opportunity to have an impact on public health and wellbeing by working with vulnerable groups, who are often rejected everywhere else, gives me a sense of professional pride. I’m inspired how by working side by side with my colleagues, we’re breaking down stigma and ensuring that everybody can access high-quality healthcare and social services.”
Ekaterina, Project Coordinator
“Despite the fact that my work takes place in the office and consists of budgets, letters, reports and calls, I feel that I am part of something that benefits people. When I see the numbers for the clients we have helped, and read their grateful reviews, it is incredibly fulfilling and inspiring to continue doing this work.”
Yana T., Medical and Social Case Management Specialist
“I know first-hand that you can live a full and happy life with HIV but unfortunately, many people do not know this. Knowledge about HIV among people who use drugs is often outdated, HIV is still associated with AIDS and death, so people are scared. I hope to dispel these myths and bring more people to treatment.”
Yelena, Community Mobilisation and Advocacy Specialist
“I live with HIV, and all my work for the past 12 years has been aimed at combating the epidemic in Almaty. This work plays a crucial role in creating a future where people are kind and accepting, and where people living with HIV are no longer discriminated against or made to feel invisible.”
Polina, Paramedic
“For some people, HIV presents an opportunity to radically change their lives. Nowhere else have I met people who love their life so much and are ready to fight for it. This is very inspiring, and I learn a lot from them.”
Lubov, Project Coordinator
“We have come a long way in developing AIDS services. We have affordable care, but there is still a high level of stigma and discrimination. Being part of this project will help us to ensure that people living with HIV have unhindered access to vital services – treatment, care and support that does not violate their rights and respects their dignity.”
Dina, Project manager
“HIV can be prevented and successfully treated however, in my region, the number of new infections is growing. I am motivated by the fact that I am part of the great team that contributes to changing the situation in the region, making it a better and safer place to live for different communities.”