The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #55494

Kateryna Gamazina, MD¹, Amie Bishop, MSW, MPH², Siri Wood, MA², and Alla Kovtun¹. (1) PATH Ukraine, Program for Appropriate Technology in Health (PATH), 18/2, Kruglouniversytetska Street, #2, 01024 Kyiv, Ukraine, (380-44) 253-2409, katya@path-k.carrier.kiev.ua, (2) PATH (Program for Appropriate Technology in Health), 1455 NW Leary Way, Seattle, WA 98107

Ukraine has one of the fastest growing AIDS epidemics in the world. Approximately 40 percent of known infections are among women. In Ukraine, obstetrician-gynecologists are generally the first contact for pregnant women and are responsible for HIV testing referral. The overall goal of our project is to improve the quality of life of HIV+ pregnant women and mothers in Odessa, Ukraine, by improving client-provider interaction, access to information, and psychosocial support.

Key activities have included:

· developing and introducing an HIV voluntary counseling and testing curriculum for obstetrician-gynecologists;

· developing and initiating training in peer support to prepare HIV+ mothers to provide emotional support and information to recently diagnosed HIV+ pregnant women;

· establishing a community-based support group for HIV+ women and mothers; and

· strengthening linkages between medical services and community resources for people living with HIV and AIDS.

Anticipated outcomes of this project include an increase in timely, voluntary HIV testing of pregnant women so that anti-retroviral treatment can be promptly initiated, and increased capacity among health providers to effectively communicate, counsel, and provide referral to HIV+ women, especially pregnant women and mothers. Other important project outcomes include establishment and increased use of community-based support for HIV+ women and their families; strengthened referral mechanisms to local clinics, hospitals, and HIV Centers; reduced stigma and discrimination; and increased awareness among HIV+ women regarding availability of support services, the importance of MTCT prevention, and key aspects of self-care and care of their HIV+ children.

Learning Objectives:

Participants in this session will be able to:
• Describe the main challenges facing women with HIV and their caregivers in Ukraine
• Identify the key steps involved in strengthening VCT skills among ObGyns and other providers
• Identify the key steps involved in establishing community-based support for HIV+ women and their children

Keywords: Women and HIV/AIDS, International Public Health

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.