HIV/AIDS Training in the WoA Center

More than 40 community leaders from Kirovograd received HIV/AIDS training at the WoA center yesterday and today, March 5 and 6.

The program, which was a joint effort between the library and Peace Corps, was presented by a professional trainer from Kiev. Participants learned about the biology of HIV, how the virus is transmitted, methods for presenting information, and more in a format that consisted of a combination of presentation, discussion, and activities.

All of the participants said they were glad they came, and that they had received new information in an unusual and interesting manner. One participant said “I came here with a closed mind. I did not think I had anything new to learn, but I have not only learned new things but enjoyed how the material was presented.”

Peace Corps Volunteer Karin Jones said she thought it was important to conduct trainings like this for all ages and levels of knowledge because HIV is a growing problem in Ukraine, and it is very important that people be able to discuss it in an open manner.

Ukraine has one of the most severe HIV epidemics in Europe, with an infection rate of 1.6% of adults. The first case of HIV in Ukraine was detected in 1987.  According to the 2007 Ukraine Demographic Health Survey, less than 50 percent of men and women have a comprehensive understanding of how to decrease the risk of HIV infection.

Through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), Ukraine received $7.3 million in 2009 for essential HIV/AIDS programs and services. USAID’s HIV/AIDS programs in Ukraine are implemented as part of the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). Launched in 2003, PEPFAR is the U.S. government’s initiative to support partner nations around the world in responding to HIV/AIDS.