European Testing Week 2021 22-29 November

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Catch up on testing!
For HIV, viral hepatitis and STIs
Register and join Autumn European Testing Week 2021 22-29 November
Why participate in European Testing Week (ETW) this year? More than ever, ETW can help us refocus our attention to HIV, viral hepatitis and STI priorities in our countries and regions.
The COVID-19 pandemic and measures to control it have shifted staff, funding and resources away from other healthcare essentials. In October 2020, UNAIDS reported “
hile some countries have rebounded to pre- COVID-19 testing levels, in other countries, testing remains low.
However, the COVID-19 pandemic has also demonstrated the ability of communities, governments and international bodies to take extraordinary measures to tackle infectious diseases. Let’s build on this in our work to increase testing.
It’s time to catch up on testing and regain focus on HIV, viral hepatitis and STI priorities.
Significant gaps remain in diagnosis of all these infections which can undermine international strategies to end HIV, viral hepatitis and STI as public health threats by 2030. Testing, especially in the context of combination prevention, is an essential health service, especially for marginalised and stigmatised populations such as sex workers, people who use drugs, migrants, people in prison, trans people and men who have sex with men, all of whom are often most at risk and most in need of targeted services.
decreases in HIV testing services in nearly all countries with available data”. Country level
significant
surveys report similar trends across Europe. W
ETW calls for
➢ Integrated testing
➢ Self-testing + self-sampling (for some infections where self-testing is not available) ➢ Testing in the framework of Combination Prevention
This year, ETW will launch simultaneously with International Testing Week, which is promoted by Coalition PLUS, with the participation of organizations around the globe.
We are all part of the solution!
Let ETW’s network and resources be part of your solution!

We recognise how difficult it has been to adapt services during the COVID-19 pandemic. During ETW in 2020 and Spring 2021, our webinars and online videos highlighted a number of innovations developed by you including telemedicine, online services, self- testing, open air testing, integrated testing, among many others. We encourage you to continue these great efforts.
In times of limited resources and heightened competition between priority areas, integrated testing for HIV, HBV/HCV and STIs can be a way to improve early diagnosis for all these infections with limited investment, as they share modes of transmission and overlaps in affected groups and high levels of co-infection. As highlighted in the HepHIV 2021 Conference, some of the things that can done to increase testing and improve early diagnosis are:
➢ Investigate opportunities to include HIV, viral hepatitis, STI and TB testing within SARS-CoV-2 testing programmes in high prevalence areas, settings or populations (e.g. emergency/intensive care units, prisons, homeless shelters etc.).
➢ Engage the general public in the discussion and response to infectious diseases, leveraging the opportunities opened by COVID-19 to communicate with the general public on these subjects;
➢ Ensure that messaging is positive, clear and consistent, originates from trustworthy sources, is relevant to the target groups, and includes a focus on the role of inequalities in controlling infectious diseases.
➢ Work to remove criminalising laws and policies and legal barriers to testing interventions, including barriers to lay-provider testing, testing at home and partner notification by taking advantage of the change in how health service delivery has been changed during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Please register and join ETW, 22-29 November 2021!

http://www.testingweek.eu/ckfinder/userfiles/files/2021/FINAL%20theme%20statement%20ETW%20November2021.pdf

Believe and hope!

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Usu  ja looda! Sulliwan Erki Pehk. Kaire Vilgats.Kayha Burns(USA) XXI Sajandi Orkester

These days, filled with genuine, nothing undisguised grief from the loss of loved ones, friends of comrades-in-arms, you are acutely aware that it is impossible to get used to this … I understand that there will be a lot of grief … the rest of my life “, as it was said in some movie … the rest …
In our society, it is customary to avoid topics related to losses and, as a rule, people are left alone with trouble .. At the same time, I am grateful who responded and did not pass us by … Low bow to all of you.
Today, let there be bright sadness with us, these are memories filled with light, hope and faith in the future … we must live on! As they say, times are not chosen, we had to live in different eras that made us cry and laugh, and also think about life, death and love. In the morning, I unexpectedly received greetings in the form of this disc, which was released by the ECUO EHPV back in 2008 …
Thank you for reminding us of the existence of our long-standing international ART project. But we have our own song “Believe and Hope!”, Which took place thanks to our joint work. Much time has passed, but in my heart and soul there is Faith and Hope that we can still definitely see each other together.

ATTENTION: Job offer

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You can apply for the job offer here: https://www.cvkeskus.ee/projekti-koordinaator-tallinnas-eesti-hiv-positiivsien-vorgustik-mtu-736142?

To enlarge the image, press on the image. Thank you for your attention!

 

RUSSIA – REGULATIONS ON ENTRY, STAY AND RESIDENCE FOR PLHIV

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Entry regulations Residence regulations Additional information
No HIV testing is required for short-term tourist stays (up to three months). An HIV test is required for a multiple entry visa. A negative HIV test result is required for long-term stays (more than three months), for students and for foreign employees. Foreign residents found to be HIV positive are expelled.

Important: The entry bar, short-term stay restrictions and deportations apply to students, multiple entry and work visas only.

HIV-specific entry and residence regulations for Russia

A negative HIV test result is required for stays of more than three months.

(Source: 1)

If you are planning to remain in Russia for more than three months, you must provide a medical certificate of a negative test for HIV. The certificate must be valid for three months from the date of testing and include:

  • Passport details (full name, date of birth, passport number and country of residence)
  • HIV test information (date of test, test results and signatures of the doctor who performed the test and the person examined)
  • The length of your intended stay in Russia.

Other tests (such as for tuberculosis and leprosy) may be required for individuals staying in Russia for more than three months.

(Source: 2)

Some HIV/AIDS entry restrictions exist for visitors to and foreign residents of Russia. Applicants for longer-term tourist and work visas or residence permits are required to undergo an HIV/AIDS test. The Russian Government may also ask these applicants to undergo tests for tuberculosis and leprosy. Travellers who believe that they may be subject to these requirements should verify this information with the Embassy of the Russian Federation.

(Source: 3)

For stays exceeding three months, or a multi-entry visa, an HIV test is required.

(Source: 4)

Read more

September 10 is International Suicide Prevention Day.

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A person with depression needs your support and confirmation more than ever
This is a food for thought to say to support your friend.
This Friday, September 10, is International Suicide Prevention Day. Learn more about how you can participate and contribute:

peaasi.ee/olenolemas

#mental health #measure

 

COVID-19 vaccine deemed safe for people living with HIV

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People living with HIV should not be afraid of getting the COVID-19 vaccine and should rather discuss any concerns they may have with a medical practitioner, instead of relying on fake news.

The COVID-19 vaccine does not interfere with antiretroviral medication or cause adverse side effects people living with HIV, provided a person’s immune system is intact, meaning that they are not suffering from any other ailments or infections.

This is according to Dr Lerato Masemola, a general practitioner based in Johannesburg.

“Taking the vaccine while experiencing any symptoms of flu or illness may result in a more severe illness due to an already activated immune response to the current undiagnosed infection,” she said.

However, she added that it is important to avoid becoming overly anxious about the vaccine, especially based on fake news that is being proliferated by some people.

“Being concerned about vaccines is understandable, but panic states can mimic chest pains and shortness of breath, which can also be side effects post-vaccination.”

Masemola advised people who were unsure about getting vaccinated due to their concerns about their immune systems to seek further medical advice from their healthcare providers.

Same benefits for people living with HIV

According to a report by the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), the COVID-19 vaccine holds the same benefits for people who are living with HIV, as they do for all individuals and communities – the prevention of severe illness and potentially reduced transmission of the virus.

“Advocacy is needed so that no one is left behind and so that the national vaccination programs do not exclude people from key populations who may have limited access to health services. Based on recent data, people living with HIV, regardless of their CD4 count, appear to be at an increased risk of severe outcomes and death due to COVID-19 compared to other people.”

The UNAIDS report shows how COVID-19 lockdowns and other restrictions have disrupted HIV testing and in many countries this has led to steep drops in HIV diagnoses, referrals to care services and HIV treatment initiations. – Health-e News

Read more

COVID-19 vaccine deemed safe for people living with HIV

International AIDS Candlelight Memorial Day

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The Estonian Network of People Living with HIV (www.ehpv.ee), on the eve of International AIDS Candlelight Memorial Day, which is traditionally celebrated on the third Sunday of May, addressesresidents of Estonia, the government and municipalities of cities.

We all live through difficult times. We know that COVID-19 is a serious disease that has affected the country. Experience gained from the HIV epidemic can also be used to combat COVID-19.

We urge you to pay attention to people affected by COVID-19 who need our support. As it was with AIDS response, governments must work with communities to find solutions on local level.

Government, ministries, municipalities, and the population itself must respect the rights and dignity of people affected by COVID-19. Key populations should not bear the brunt of stigma and discrimination as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Forty years of fighting the HIV epidemic is an experience based on human rights and community orientation, which are key points in the fight against any epidemic. Building trust between affected communities, government, and the health system is also needed to effectively and quickly respond to the rapid spread of the pandemic.

We can say that viruses have captured our consciousness and our lives, but not the virus itself is important, but its consequences – stigma and discrimination. When the people infected by such “viruses”, it becomes important for us: what is your skin color, gender, age, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, the presence of a disease, etc. At the same time, the deeper the virus penetrates our consciousness, the more it forces to manifest: bias, injustice, violence. As a result, stigmatized person is left alone with his problem.

International AIDS Candlelight Memorial Day, is one of the oldest and largest mobilization campaigns in the world to raise public awareness of HIV and AIDS in the world, serves as an important means of global solidarity, breaking down barriers of stigma and discrimination and giving hope to new generations.

The HIV epidemiological situation in Estonia continues to be difficult. The persistent high incidence of HIV infection, the steady growth rate of new infections, the increase in the total number of HIV-infected people, the “growing up” of the infection and its activation in the general population due to the increase in sexual transmission are real today. Over the years in Estonia, 10265 people were diagnosed with HIV, including 567 people with AIDS.

Modern medicine have allowed HIV infection to pass from the category of fatal to chronic. Having started treatment with antiretroviral drugs in time, and following all the doctor’s instructions, people living with HIV live a long and full life. There is no cure for AIDS, but there is an opportunity to slow down its development. As Estonia has access to antiretroviral therapy, HIV / AIDS must be seen as a disease, not a death sentence. But even now, death from AIDS arises due to the fact that an HIV-positive person is not able to receive specialized medical services and antiretroviral treatment on time.

Our common vision is zero new HIV cases, zero discrimination against people living with HIV and zero AIDS-related deaths, but this requires investment, open and honest dialogue about it between the government and society. When we recognize the scale of the effects of viruses on our lives, we will seek to minimize the risk of contracting them.

On the International AIDS Candlelight Memorial Day, we want to recall one more time that the human right to health is the basic right of every person. And no one has the right to deprive it! We wish, as never before, to mobilize all our efforts to eradicate stigma and discrimination, violation of human rights and bring a clear understanding that we are all vulnerable.

We hope that the COVID-19 pandemic, since the HIV epidemic did not quite cope with this at the time, will change the attitude generally to any problems in society related with viruses. It is very important to support those who are trying to confront these problems, regardless of the situation, age, gender, etc. It has long been clear to the PLHIV community that viruses do not forgive a frivolous attitude towards them. We hope that on this day this awareness will come to you.

Join us to light a candle for memory of people who died from AIDS and COVID-19.


1. Light a memorial candle on the terrace, balcony, garden or wherever it is comfortable for you 

2. Remember and pray for relatives, friends, acquaintances who have died of AIDS or COVID-19

3. Share your memory and photos with us on social networks and do not forget to tag us #ehpv or @ EHPV – Estonian HIV-Positive Network.


Info:

+372 5870 6070 (in Russian)
+372 5100504 (in Estonian)
+372 57816023 (in English)
ehpv@ehpv.ee

 

“We Remember. We Take Action. We Live Beyond HIV!”

We are excited to share with you the details of the International AIDS Candlelight Memorial 2021, which will be held on Sunday May 16, 2021
The Memorial was started in 1983 by people living with HIV, to remember the lives lost to AIDS and to honour those who dedicated their lives to helping people living with and affected by HIV.
The Estonian Network PLWHIV over the years has continued to coordinate the efforts to make the day memorable and continue to mobilise our communities in solidarity in Estonia.

We are excited to share with you the recently updated International AIDS Candlelight Memorial website where we have information on global and local eventswith our perennial theme “We Remember. We Take Action. We Live Beyond HIV!”

https://www.candlelightmemorial.net/

Given the safety measures adopted by in response to the COVID-19 outbreak, like in the previous year Estonian Network PLWHIV encourages everyone to mark the day individually or virtually.
A more active role on social media will be necessary though to make this year’s commemoration a meaningful one.

 

Position paper about the Badge of Honor “EHPV”

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Badge of Honor “EHPV” hereinafter “Badge of Honor” – the highest public award of Estonian Network of PLHIV workers and volunteers, established by MTÜ EHPV.

  1. The Honorary Badge is awarded to employees and volunteers, organizations, enterprises and institutions for merits in the field of prevention, treatment, support of PLHIV and a great contribution to the development of comprehensive services in the field of socially significant diseases, personnel training, scientific and other activities aimed at increasing efficiency of communities.

  2. Employees, volunteers, organizations, enterprises and institutions are awarded by a table plaque with the Badge of Honor.

  3. The motto of the EHPV Badge of Honor is “We care about the people of Estonia”.

  4. The decision to award by the Badge of Honor is made by the EHPV Board.

  5. The Badge of Honor and the Certificate of the Badge of Honor are presented to those awarded in a solemn atmosphere.

  6. The Badge of Honor is worn on the right side of the chest.

  7. Re-awarding of the Badge of Honor is not performed.

  8. Financing of the costs of manufacturing, accounting, storage and issuance of the Badge of Honor is carried out by EHPV.

  9. A sketch of the Badge of Honor “EHPV” is attached to the Position paper.

  10. This Position paper comes into force from the moment of its approval and its publication in the mass media.

  11. The exclusive right to develop and replicate the EHPV Badge of Honor belongs to the Estonian Network of PLHIV EHPV and to the author – o. Brosh.estonia.

  12. Chairman of the Board of the Estonian Network of PLHIV is Lachin Aliyev.

World TB Day

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The TB community stands in solidarity with the people affected by COVID-19. This World TB Day we support the fight against the new pandemic, share our lessons, experiences and tools so that united we can defeat it. We want to remind global leaders the urgency to invest in better and more resilient health systems, today more than ever we realise the need to end endemics like TB or COVID-19.
See below some social media messages that you can help amplify and bring attention to the fight to end infectious diseases like TB and COVID-19.
To #FightCOVID19, we can use the tools needed to #EndTB: infection control, artificial intelligence, x-rays, contact tracing, telemedicine and psycho-social support.
We at @StopTB call on global leaders to join forces to protect people affected by TB and especially vulnerable populations from #COVID19. It’s time to ensure we #LeaveNooneBehind.
Years of under-investment made #tuberculosis and its drug resistant forms the biggest infectious disease killer with over 4000 deaths per day. We can’t afford to repeat these mistakes and be unprepared for pandemics like #COVID19.
Most TB survivors have gone through the isolation, fear, discrimination and stigma that we are facing with #COVID19. Let’s hear their voices and learn resilience from them. #ItsTimeToEndTB
Healthcare workers are at the center of the fight against diseases such as #tuberculosis or #COVID19. We at @StopTB applaud their efforts and call on the TB community to show their support! #ItsTimeToEndTB
It’s time to recognize that people with #TB are vulnerable to #COVID19, including prisoners, migrants, people living with #HIV, those who are malnourished, living in poverty & others, and ensure access to TB diagnostics, treatment, care and support.