Addressing HIV/AIDS and Tuberculosis among Vulnerable Populations in Central Asia

Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan

The grant aimed to support the Underserved Population Program (UPP) activities in five countries of Central Asia, namely Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan and will cover in-depth assessments and analysis of the interlinked epidemics of HIV, TB, multi-resistant TB, and Hepatitis C among vulnerable groups - with a specific focus on trans-border dynamics and issues faced by migrants and other vulnerable populations, such as limited access to prevention and treatment services, inadequate social protection, discrimination, human-rights violations and stigmatization. A literature review, conducted by the UPP, Produced evidence and recommendations for political and Regulatory solutions for universal care and prevention of HIV and TB Among migrants in Central Asia and Russia. The Evidence was used for raising awareness to the disproportionate vulnerability of Migrant populations to the diseases at multiple levels: EECA Authorities and diplomats, UN agencies and international donors. The Program expanded country---level Activities through the Identification of key issues and challenges that Hinder migrants’ access To HIV And TB services, specifically in Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and others. The Program was Successful in reaching out and getting support from Kazakhstan’s and Kyrgyzstan’s diplomats and Leadership of Health ministries and raising the profile of the issues In the UN Human Rights Council. On top of the activities Led by the Project, the Program supported A number of initiatives coming from stakeholders and partners in instances where high---level advocacy is required. The Program is in a continued dialogue with Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan diplomats and health leadership, offering political support for the on-going discussions of bilateral agreements to address TB among migrants. To seal the proposed leadership of Kazakhstan in the political dialogue among the Central Asian Republics on The issue, a high---level mission to Kazakhstan will take place already after the reported period. The UPP also brought key partners – for example the Global Fund, WHO Europe, IOM and others to the discussion and involved them into finding solutions to address the barriers faced by migrants to access health services. Based On the consultations with the stakeholders, previously outlined directions for advocacy (they were reported in the progress report) are now turned into a specific work plan for the second phase of the Project.