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On June 3, 2009, Kaliningrad regional Center of immune-associated diseases – International Labour Organization held Round table “Prospects for cooperation between the Kaliningrad oblast and the International Labour Organization on the issue of HIV/AIDS prevention in the world of work” under the auspices of the Government of the Kaliningrad territory. This activity was implemented within the framework of the ILO new project aimed at reducing stigma and discrimination at workplaces through HIV/AIDS awareness campaigns.
The Kaliningrad oblast is one of the most affected regions in the Russian Federation, at present, almost 7,000 cases of HIV-infection are registered in the territory, 80% of them are economically active population (16-40 years old). During last few years the sexual way of transmission has been dominating in the region – nearly 75% of all new cases are the cases of heterosexual transmission. In this context, preventive activities among the general population, in particular, at workplaces, are of great importance.
HIV/AIDS prevention at workplaces and reducing stigma and discrimination became a key theme for the Round table. The representatives of the tripartite partners in the Kaliningrad territory (Government, trade unions and employers) took an active part in this discussion. The Head of the Center of immune-associated diseases, Nikolay Cherkes made an overview of HIV/AIDS epidemiological situation in the Kaliningrad oblast. He emphasized the importance and economic benefit of preventive measures. Thus, in 2008 the region registered by 67 cases of HIV infection less, than in 2007. These prevented cases saved more than 228 mln rubles, which otherwise would be spent for treatment.
Anastassia Danilina (ILO Office in Moscow) and Vladlena Diachkova, ILO trainer and consultant, presented the ILO strategic approaches towards the problem of HIV/AIDS and an overview of programmes that were implemented in Russia with the ILO’s technical and expert support. The Deputy Head Doctor of Altay regional AIDS Center, Andrey Zakharchenko spoke about the experience of the Altay region in development and realization of regional strategies of counteraction of HIV/AIDS and its consequences in the world work. The Altay region was on the first pilot regions in Russia, where, with the ILO assistance, HIV/AIDS preventives activities at workplaces were launched.
The participants unanimously supported the project and developed a joint project work plan. They also discussed the issue of information materials – which of them (posters, booklets, leaflets or other) would be the most useful and effective tool for the workplaces.
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