On May 29th, 2018 launching of “HIV Bio-behavioral Surveillance” research-project took place at The National Center for AIDS Prevention of RA.
The research tools will focus on 4 key populations at higher risk for HIV infection:
Female sex workers (FSW)
Men who have sex with men (MSM)
Persons who inject drugs (PWID)
Transgenders (TG)
The study will be carried out with the financial support of The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria. The coordination of outreach activities will be managed by the “Positive People Armenian Network” social. NGO with direct involvement of targeted partner organizations. Within the first working meeting Anahit Harutyunyan (“Positive People Armenian Network” social. NGO’s President) and Arshak Papoyan(head of Epidemiological Surveillance department at The National Center for AIDS Prevention of RA) presented to the articipants the general concept of planned activities. According to already approved action plan, research works will be done with 1900 beneficiaries in 3 cities of RA (Yerevan, Gyumri and Vanadzor).
The research mainly pursuit to evaluate prevalence of HIV infection, risk behavior, covering of prevention programs and the size of the groups among FSW, MSM, PWID, TG. The research will be conducted through a clear methodology and active mentoring. The correct implementation of these tools were done within May 31st provided training and technical assistance workshop for the targeted NGO representatives. The participants discussed the used forms of methodologies, interview questionnaire, made their recommendations and additions to them. The participant’s suggestions were accepted based on which will be done relevant amendments. The further training of staff will continue along with the start of the research.
Note.
The participants of the meetings were from the following NGOs:”AIDS Prevention, Education and Care”, “AIDS Prevention Union”, “New Generation”, “Pink Armenia”, “Right Side”, “Colorful House”, “For strong Future”.