Regional Dialogue on HIV Response for Refugees and Displaced Persons

Chișinău, December 4-5, 2024 – The full-scale invasion of Ukraine has forcibly displaced millions, including people living with HIV. These individuals face critical challenges such as disrupted treatment, stigma, and limited access to healthcare services.

To address these pressing issues and explore sustainable solutions, UNAIDS Moldova and the UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, are convening a regional conference on the protection and continuity of health and HIV services for internally displaced people and refugees from Ukraine. Taking place on December 4-5, 2024, in Chișinău, the event brings together representatives from government institutions, UN agencies, local and international NGOs, and members of refugee and host communities from Moldova and the region.

Over two days, participants will explore access to healthcare for HIV-positive refugees and people disproportionately affected by HIV for diverse reasons, innovative service delivery models, financing strategies, and the integration of refugees into national healthcare systems. The conference will also highlight best practices and challenges from countries like Romania, Poland, and Germany, offering a regional perspective on the HIV response.

“The war in Ukraine has created an unprecedented humanitarian crisis, disproportionately affecting vulnerable groups, including people living with HIV. Globally, it is estimated that around 30,000 HIV-positive individuals have been forced to flee their country. Ensuring continuity of treatment is critical to preventing complications and drug resistance This conference is a unique opportunity to build sustainable regional solutions for those most affected by the crisis,” said Eamonn Murphy, UNAIDS Regional Director for Eastern Europe and Central Asia.

“HIV is fundamentally a human rights issue. While science and medicine provide the tools, it is through inclusion, empathy, solidarity, and a human rights approach that we will ultimately end this pandemic,” said Paul Olaf Stromberg, UNHCR Deputy Director of the Regional Bureau for Europe.

Since the onset of the full-scale war in Ukraine, Moldova has provided vital support to refugees, including those living with HIV. To date, around 300 HIV-positive refugees have received antiretroviral therapy, and over 8,000 individuals have accessed integrated services, including HIV prevention, mental health, and psychosocial support. Local NGOs, with the support of UNAIDS and UNHCR, have played a pivotal role in ensuring the continuity of HIV services.

“Moldova’s exemplary solidarity with Ukrainian refugees shows what can be achieved when communities and organizations come together. It is essential to continue working collaboratively to ensure high-quality healthcare services that meet the specific needs of these vulnerable groups,” emphasized Svetlana Ciobanu, director of the NGO “Pas cu Pas,” Cahul.

The conference will feature experts and practitioners from Ukraine, Romania, Poland, and Germany, contributing to a comprehensive regional perspective on the HIV response for refugees and displaced persons. By fostering active engagement from regional stakeholders, Chișinău is becoming a key hub for advancing access to essential health services and protecting the fundamental rights of the most vulnerable.