Open Letter

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On behalf of representatives of the HIV-communities, we express our support to all measures that are taking to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Despite the fact that the effect of COVID-19 on the general condition of people living with HIV has not yet been fully proven, COVID is already a concern for HIV-positive population.

From the beginning of the emergency situation, Estonian Network of PLHIV has not stopped its activities and started to work in a special mode. Not a single person who needs our help is left unattended, but at the same time, our activities are not fully able to satisfy all the needs of our customers without government support.

The Estonian Network of PLHIV joins the UNAIDS recommendations and asks  Estonian government to pay attention to the following aspects:

  1. During  the emergency situation HIV services should be available to people living with HIV and people, who at risk of HIV infection. The service should include the access of condoms, opioid substitution therapy, sterile needles and syringes, harm reduction and HIV testing.
  2. Provide the complete course  of ARVT-therapy for a period of three months or more.
  3. Ensure the access to services for vulnerable people and remove financial barriers such as service charges (5 euros per visit to a doctor).

Despite the fact that PLHIV have the same recommendations as the general population, the PLHIV community needs additional precautions, as the PLHIV community remains a vulnerable group.

Despite the difficult situation around the world, Estonian network of PLHIV is not discouraged and contributes the goals of sustainable development of the world and supports the government in combating COVID-19. To facilitate its situation and resolve certain issues, the state needs to build  dialogue with local communities, as they are daily involved in working with people who are at risk.

COVID-19 pandemic will  reveal vulnerable aspects in the government’s previous policy, which does not always properly pay attention to the activities of NGOs. At the moment  many NGOs have not yet faced the full complexity of the pandemic, but in the near future most of them will not be able to fully fulfill their mission. The government, when referring to business support, overlooks the activities of NGOs, which at this stage can play an important role.

Talking about general trends for non-profit sector and charity the situation will only decline, because in any unstable situation, people reduce all kinds of expenses. What then remains for us to do, if there is nothing to reduce? But what we are sure about, that we are not going to either close programs or leave the niche of helping people living with HIV. And also hoping that the situation will change and the government will estimate and support our activities.

We do not collect private donations, like many of our colleagues do, and as a result of this we do not really see the difference between the current situation and the one that was before. We believe that such emergencies in the world will bring people together and as a result, many charitable projects will find their support.

For our side, we ask the help of specialists and volunteers of NGOs who have received a medical education, as well as other specialists in related specialties.

Maybe COVID-19 pandemic and will change attitudes in general to any problems in society associated 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 this awareness will come to everyone in society and in the state.

COVID-19 is not only medical problem, but also socio-economic issue, as was the case with HIV infection. The Estonian network of PLHIV calls on all people, without exception, to help the state and contribute to the fight against COVID-19, simply follow all the recommendations   and do not panic.