Washington D.C., USA, 22-27 July 2012www.aids2012.org www.aidsalliance.org.ua

HIV prevention through pharmacies network in Ukraine: improving access to services for injecting

drug users and sex workers

Galyna NadutaSenior Manager: Regional Policy & Coordination ICF “International HIV/AIDS Alliance in Ukraine” Kyiv, Ukraine

Abstract no WEPDE0206.

Washington D.C., USA, 22-27 July 2012www.aids2012.org www.aidsalliance.org.ua

Background• Ukraine has one of the fastest

growing HIV infection rates in Europe.

• The highest prevalence rates of HIV are among IDUs (21.5%) and SWs (9.0%).

• Prevention programs of HIV infection implemented via CSOs in Ukraine in 2011 covered more than 230 thousand of MARPs.

• Pharmacies are service outlets supplementing CSO based delivery mechanisms.

• Program clients: IDUs, including women, and SWs.

Washington D.C., USA, 22-27 July 2012www.aids2012.org www.aidsalliance.org.ua

Methods• CSOs initiate cooperation with

a local pharmacy network.

• CSOs and pharmacies sign a agreements which include:– training of pharmacists;– supply of commodities;– referral system; – payment and reporting

systems.

• Pharmacies provide services to program clients (IDUs, SWs) free of charge.

• Essential prevention package for MARPs includes:– distribution/exchange of

syringes; – distribution of alcohol swabs;

condoms, information materials; – counseling on safe behavior; – issuing Participants cards to new

clients; – referrals to CSOs and medical

institutions for other services.

Washington D.C., USA, 22-27 July 2012www.aids2012.org www.aidsalliance.org.ua

Results

• Total annual coverage by pharmacies (2011):– 27 435 clients (11.9 % of the

total coverage of the Alliance’s HIV prevention programs in Ukraine);

– more than 387 000 visits to the pharmacies;

– 11 714 new clients (20.5 % of the overall number of new clients of the Alliance’s HIV prevention programs in Ukraine).

• 2007- 2011: the number of pharmacies grew up from 1 to 138 in 13 regions of Ukraine (out of 27)

Syringes exchange organized in 37 pharmacies (out of 138)

Washington D.C., USA, 22-27 July 2012www.aids2012.org www.aidsalliance.org.ua

Conclusion

• Most pharmacies are open 8 a.m – 10 p.m. 7 days a week and some are open 24/7.

• Pharmacies provide a cost effective mechanism for the delivery of essential HIV prevention services to MARPs.

• Pharmacies along with CSOs have become an important delivery platform for HIV prevention services for MARPs in addition to direct services.

• Pharmacies refer MARPs to CSOs and medical institutions.

• Research on pharmacy interventions in Ukraine (2008) shows that a pharmacy is an affordable and safe place to receive HIV prevention services for those MARPs who do not use CSOs services.