About AHF Georgia
Our Staff
HIV in Georgia
About AHF Georgia
AHF program scope and scale of HIV interventions started from July 2018 within the Memorandum of Understanding between AHF and National Center for Disease Control (NCDC). According to the memorandum AHF donated 15,024 INSTI tests and 100,800 LOVE condoms to NCDC. The implementing partners for testing program were Public health centers in west Georgia (accomplished), local NGO “Tanadgoma” and LGBTQI CBO – “Equality Movement”. NGOs distributed LOVE condoms provided by AHF among KAPs as well as to general population. In 2020 collaboration between AHF Georgia and NGO Tanadgoma is ongoing and foresee HIV testing in penitentiary system facilities (prisons).
AHF supported activities within Health Care Settings were valued by Government and based as a platform for integrated testing on HIV/HCV/TB.
AHF program scope and scale of HIV interventions started from July 2018 within the Memorandum of Understanding between AHF and National Center for Disease Control (NCDC). According to the memorandum AHF donated 15,024 INSTI tests and 100,800 LOVE condoms to NCDC. The implementing partners for testing program were Public health centers in west Georgia (accomplished), local NGO “Tanadgoma” and LGBTQI CBO – “Equality Movement”. NGOs distributed LOVE condoms provided by AHF among KAPs as well as to general population. In 2020 collaboration between AHF Georgia and NGO Tanadgoma is ongoing and foresee HIV testing in penitentiary system facilities (prisons).
AHF supported activities within Health Care Settings were valued by Government and based as a platform for integrated testing on HIV/HCV/TB.
Our Staff
HIV in Georgia
The registered number of HIV/AIDS cases does not reflect the actual spread of the infection in Georgia. The estimated number of people living with HIV/AIDS is around 10 500. 35% of them are unaware of the HIV positive status.
October 1, 2020: total 8,520 HIV/AIDS cases registered at AIDS Center (including 1,766deceased). In 2020 – 418 new cases registered, on ART – 5297 patients (77% of 6,754 clients registered).
Challenges to controlling the HIV epidemic includes severe stigma and negative attitude towards KAP, and limited access to affordable condoms and HIV testing. Restrictive drug policy and lack of legal base for harm reduction activities is one of the barriers for smooth implementation of HIV prevention program.
Despite the input from International donors, Georgian Government is also incrementally increasing funds to cover the cost of life-saving ARV treatment. Currently 75% of ARVs are supported by Government and 25% – GF. In July 2019 Government of Georgia launched integrated screening on HIV/HCV/TB at primary Health care facilities. The program considers improving early detection of HIV/HCV/TB and linkage to the treatment services by creating one stop service for the patients as an integral part of primary health care setting.
Prevention activities among KAP are partially supported by Government. However, it is vital to continue as recent Bio-Behavioral Surveillance study results show high prevalence in KAP especially among MSM.
