PSI

Russia is experiencing one of the fastest growing HIV/AIDS epidemics in the world. Although adult prevalence rate is 1.1%, incidence is rising dramatically.1 One adult in every 100 has HIV/AIDS – a 50-fold increase in 10 years.2

PSI/Russia began operating in 1995 as a locally registered nonprofit called the “Center for Social Development and Information.” It offers HIV and substance abuse prevention programs, and promotes healthy behaviors and improved access to support services. Its mission is to target the country’s most-at-risk-populations and enable them to lead healthier lives.

1. 1. Source: 2008 Report on the global AIDS epidemic (Russia).
2. 2. Source: “European Commission warns of impending HIV/AIDS epidemic,” BMJ, September 2004.

Health Areas

HIV

Health Impact

PSI/Russia estimates that in 2010, its products and services helped avert:

• 21,191 HIV & TB DALYs1
• 92 Reproductive Health DALYs
1. 1. Source: The DALY (Disability-Adjusted Life Year) is a widely-used, credible metric that was first developed by the World Bank and is now routinely relied upon in the public health community.

Health Interventions

• Basic HIV Care and Prevention Package
• Injecting Drug Users
• Sex Workers
• Men Who Have Sex with Men
• Uniformed Services Personnel
• HIV Risk Perception

Improving Health in Russia

HIV Initiatives

PSI/Russia develops and implements large-scale, long-term programs addressing HIV/AIDS, STI and substance abuse for most-at-risk populations, including:

• Injecting drug users (IDU).
• Sex workers (SW).
• Men having sex with men (MSM).
• High-risk youth.

Current programs include:

Case management among high-risk groups

In 2005, PSI/Russia became the first to promote HIV prevention case management among high-risk populations in the Russian Federation. This client-centered approach links vulnerable individuals, such as IDUs and SWs, to high-quality, non-stigmatizing services that benefit both HIV-negative and HIV-positive clients. Individual plans also include tuberculosis co-infection and reproductive health issues. Since 2008, reproductive health and family planning needs of female high-risk clients were incorporated into HIV prevention plans. This integration made the program more attractive and better tailored to women’s needs.

LaSky – Trusting Each Other

“LaSky” is a network of organizations that runs outreach, individual consultations, prevention trainings, motivational group activities, club events, mass media campaigns and distributed free Favorite condoms and lubricant for MSMs in 18 cities. Created in 2004, this MSM program is the only large-scale Russian effort of its kind.

“Youth Center”

This HIV and substance abuse prevention “Youth Center” program links high-risk youth in five Russian cities to positive leisure and developmental opportunities. Services provide correct prevention information, social skills training, psychological counseling, links to medical and social services, as well as involving parents and families in family therapy. The program model is tailored to youth ages 11-17 in youth leisure centers, family social centers, youth medical centers and schools, as well as to youth ages 17-21 in secondary technical colleges.

Overdose Death Prevention

The overdose (OD) death prevention initiative among IDUs delivers health information, behavior modification and life-saving first aid skills, to IDUs in two Russian cities. Activities focus on increasing knowledge and awareness among IDUs of OD, how to prevent OD, recognize the signs of OD, and deliver first aid, including naloxone, during OD. The program advocates for improved access of IDUs to naloxone during OD and systematic distribution of naloxone prior to OD.

Latest News

• Youth Center Model Supported by St. Petersburg Government
  April 27, 2010

Resources

• LaSky network