HIV and tuberculosis prevention programs are aimed at raising awareness on how people get infected and the need for timely treatment. Regional branches of the Russian Red Cross work systematically with people and provide assistance to socially vulnerable groups of citizens.
Patient schools and peer support groups for people living with HIV and TB
In 2022, as part of the Federal project "To Support activities of the Russian Red Cross", patient schools and peer support groups for people living with HIV and tuberculosis will open in 40 regional branches. Patients will be able to consult with specialists, get information and psychological support, accept their diagnosis and learn how to live a full life despite the disease.
Also, in order to increase access to express HIV testing, regional branches of the Russian Red Cross together with their partners have already conducted more than 400 free express tests since June 2022. By the end of the year, at least 32,000 express tests are planned to be conducted across Russia as part of the program.
National campaigns to prevent socially important diseases
Every year, the Russian Red Cross conducts nationwide HIV and TB prevention campaigns to improve health literacy and destigmatize people living with these diseases.
In March 2022, for example, a national TB prevention campaign was held to coincide with the World TB Day. As part of the campaign, regional branches of the Russian Red Cross held awareness-raising events on TB prevention at schools and vocational colleges. In partnership with medical organizations, they also arranged a mobile fluorography scan for those who wished to undergo it. In total, more than 350 events were held in 54 regions of the Russian Federation and over 40,000 people participated in the campaign.
From November 29 to December 3, 2021, an information campaign was carried out together with the Durex partner to coincide with the World AIDS Day. The joint work resulted in a social video “Something to talk about”, which gathered more than 540,000 views in the Vkontakte social network. Over 65 000 users have viewed the live video “Just about HIV: everything you wanted to know about HIV but were afraid to ask”. For more information on how you can get help, contact the Russian Red Cross branch in your area or email to mail@redcross.ru.
