For the 1st of December, World AIDS Day, the online platform womanplus.info is launched, where women living with HIV can get free consultations of obstetrician-gynecologist, psychologist, peer counselor and infectious disease doctor.
The project is aimed at improving medical care for women living with HIV and developing their social activity. In addition to receiving consultations, women can familiarize themselves with a map of organizations and resources, where they can also get help, news and events, as well as get acquainted with personal stories.
Evgeniya Alekseeva, the Director of “FOCUS-MEDIA” Foundation: “This project will contribute to the establishment of a more trusting and professional relationship between a doctor and a patient, which will improve treatment outcomes and the health status of women living with HIV.
There are more than 1.4 million people living with HIV in Russia. 40% of all registered cases of HIV infection are women. 40% of women find out about their HIV status during pregnancy. Women living with HIV more often face stigma and discrimination compared to HIV-positive men, in particular by medical personnel. Gynecologists often refer HIV-positive pregnant women for abortion, refuse to support planning a safe pregnancy and practice unfriendly or even negative attitudes.
Starting from January 1, 2020 “FOCUS-MEDIA” Foundation implements the project “Support of activism and protection of rights of HIV-positive women in the Russian Federation” aimed at improving medical care to women living with HIV and raising their social activity.
Project objectives are:
Ekateryna Artemenko, Project Manager: “Every year since 1988, World AIDS Day has been held under a different theme. This year’s theme is “Global Responsibility, Global Solidarity”. The launch of womanplus.info is our response, our solidarity. I share the message of UNAIDS Executive Director Winnie Byanyima that it is the power within communities, inspired by a shared responsibility, that has contributed so much to our victories against HIV.
Unfortunately, the COVID-19 epidemic has made it difficult for many people to access treatment, but we continue to support our community.”
Maria Kiseleva, coordinator of the platform womanplus.info: “We tried to make a convenient and informative platform, where women living with HIV will find a friendly specialist, solutions to problems and answers to their questions.”
The project Supporting activism and protection of rights of HIV-positive women in the Russian Federation is implemented in two Russian regions: Nizhny Novgorod and Rostov in partnership with STEP Charity Foundation (Nizhny Novgorod) and Rostov Regional Youth Charity Public organization “Young Medics of Don” and is supported by the UN Democracy Fund.
The platform was developed by Digital-studio Func.
