Responding to HIV/AIDS in Belarus: The importance of early intervention

Abstract

The epidemiology and transmission of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in Belarus is discussed and a pilot project implemented by the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) and the non-governmental organization Parents for the future of children is described. The pilot project Prevention of HIV-infection among the people using drugs by injections in the city of Svetlogorsk began in January 1997 and involved the establishment of 2 syringe exchange points in areas with the highest concentration of injecting drug users (IDUs), referral of IDUs to sexually transmitted disease specialists via exchange points and free confidential treatment. Lessons learned from the project are considered.

Citation

Eurohealth (2000) 6 (2) 53-55

Responding to HIV/AIDS in Belarus: The importance of early intervention

Published 12 September 2006