WORKING WHERE THE HIV EPIDEMIC HITS HARDEST
The HIV epidemic in Eastern Europe and Central Asia (EECA) is an emergency hiding in plain sight, growing fast but often overlooked in the global HIV response.
We are determined to turn the tide on HIV in EECA because to end AIDS it’s imperative that no region, no country, no person is left behind.
Why it matters
Whilst HIV cases are declining globally, new HIV diagnoses and AIDS-related deaths in EECA are continuing to rise. Between 2010 and 2023, there has been a 20% increase in new HIV cases and a 34% increase in AIDS-related deaths. Anti-LGBTQ+ laws, human rights violations, military conflicts coupled with multiple waves of migration and refugee crises are all greatly hindering the HIV response and preventing people from accessing lifesaving testing and treatment.
This demands urgent action.
ADDRESSING THE UNMET NEEDS OF MARGINALIZED COMMUNITIES
We fund local initiatives that provide high-quality community-based services for people who use drugs, men who have sex with men, sex workers, and transgender people to help them access HIV prevention, treatment and mental health support. By investing in community-led initiatives that prioritize the voices and needs of those most affected by HIV, we aim to empower communities to take charge of their health, advocate for better services, and create tailored solutions that are both effective and sustainable.
ADDRESSING STRUCTURAL DRIVERS OF THE HIV EPIDEMIC
We support positive changes in the context that drives the HIV epidemic, such as laws and policies, criminalization of certain behaviours, religious and cultural norms, violence, lack of economic opportunities, reduced mobility, and social and mass media information. Amending these factors results in an environment favourable for effective delivery of HIV services, reduced stigma and discrimination, improved quality of life of key populations, people living with HIV and their partners, and ultimately improved HIV-related health outcomes.
STRENGHTENING HEALTH SYSTEMS
Strengthening health systems is a critical need in the region. We are working to improve existing systems to deliver more effective HIV services. This includes making testing, prevention, and care more accessible, as well as ensuring adequate funding and resources to provide high-quality services for people living with HIV and those at greatest risk.
STRENGTHENING COMMUNITY SYSTEMS
The civil society space in EECA is shrinking as a result of national regulations criminalizing people living with HIV and key populations, and restricting the freedoms of civil society organizations. The capacity of local NGOs to provide high quality, evidence-based HIV services and ensure the sustainability of project results remains a challenge throughout the EECA region. We support the quality of community-based HIV services by exposing local partners to the most up-to-date effective approaches along the HIV cascade. We also build the capacity of civil society organizations to access funding from different sources.
Stories of Impact
Read more about how we are working to tackle HIV in Eastern Europe and Central Asia.
24 February 2025
Get Involved
Imagine a world where health inequity is a thing of the past. Together, we can make this a reality—and bring an end to AIDS. Your support is essential to making it happen.
