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conferenceseries
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Volume 8
Epidemiology: Open Access
ISSN: 2161-1165
Epidemiology 2018
September 17-19, 2018
September 17-19, 2018 | Rome, Italy
8
th
International Conference on
Epidemiology & Public Health
Infectious Disease Prevention Efforts in Southern Ukraine
Michael Ardovino
“Vychod”, Mykolaiv, Ukraine
Statement:
Ukraine has one of the highest rates of HIV and hepatitis transmission in the world due a great part to intravenous
drug use.
Purpose:
The Mykolaiv charity foundation “Vykhod” implemented the Respond Project, an effort to treat clients with
contagious diseases, specifically HIV. The Health of Partners component looks at treating HIV sexual partners
Method:
The foundation focused on southern Ukraine for three month time periods in 2016 and 2017, testing overs 1000
subjects. Samples represent Nikolaev City, Bashtank, New Bug, Voznesensk, Pervomaisk and Ochakiv in the oblast of Nikolaev
1196 subjects took HIV tests over two years and 99 reflected a positive response, an 8.28% rate. 68 subjects began medical
treatment and 51were referred to anti-retroviral therapy.
Findings:
1. Participating clients report an increase in the use of condoms and talking frankly about HIV and sexual behavior as
they relate to using drugs. Information received at “Vykhod” proved decisive in actions taken.
2. Clients report that they now feel they can live as HIV survivors rather than most certainly die from a terminal illness.
3. HIV positive drug users now talk more openly to their sexual partners who may not be infected and how important
medical treatment is to reduce the likelihood of transmission.
4. “Vychod” staff used their expertise to force strong bonds with clients as well as partnering public health organizations.
5. Funding from donors such as USAID has given the program more positive attention especially from potential
European contributors.
6. Program evaluation efforts are utilized and provide useful best lessons and practices.
Conclusion:
Respond preventive
behavior techniques can effectively reduce the spread of HIV. An expansion of the program
can have positive benefits across Ukraine
Biography
Michael Ardovino has over ten years experience working in international development and is currently a volunteer for a health NGO in Mykolaiv, Ukraine. He has a PhD
and research in political science focusing on Eastern Europe. He is a former research analyst at USAID.
ardovinomike@gmail.comMichael Ardovino, Epidemiology (Sunnyvale) 2018, Volume 8
DOI: 10.4172/2161-1165-C1-021
Program Dates
Client Test
HIV+ Response Medical Treatment
Sought
Anti-Viral
Treatment
Jan 1- March 31 2016
191
14
9
3
April 1 – June 30 2016
177
17
11
4
July 1- Sep 30 2016
181
16
14
12
Oct 1 – Dec 31 2016
153
13
10
9
Jan 1 – March 31 2017
157
13
9
10
April 1 – June 30 2017
171
14
7
6
July1–Sept 30 2017
166
12
8
7
Total
1196
99
68
51