Pact and partners hold forum on building the sustainability of HIV services during the war in Ukraine

The USAID-funded Community Action for HIV Control project, led by Pact, rallied representatives of civil society, the government and donor organizations in Ukraine to highlight achievements and challenges in providing HIV services during the war and balancing existing accountability mechanisms. 

The discussions took place within the "Public Initiatives Forum: Building the Sustainability of HIV Services During the War," held August 25-26. 

More than 80 forum attendees presented and analyzed efforts and innovative approaches by civil-society and state actors to save the lives and health of people living with HIV in Ukraine, especially key and priority populations, after the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine.  

The Ministry of Health of Ukraine highlighted that collaboration with Ukrainian and international partners, along with support from non-governmental organizations, donors and volunteers is a cornerstone of the country's success. It has helped to ensure patients’ access to medicines and secured funding for medical services despite the severe displacement crisis, significant damage and losses caused by the war. 

At the request of the MoH and the Center for Public Health, the USAID Community Action for HIV Control project facilitated the development of a Recovery Plan for HIV, TB, MAT, HC(B)V services in the public sector. This plan is critical to the recovery process addressing the needs caused by displacement, war-damaged health infrastructure, services’ modalities restoration, policy revision, provision of pharmaceuticals and commodities in the post war environment. National experts and NGO representatives equally contributed to the plan's development.  

As per partners’ reports, since the beginning of war, they have pivoted the delivery of critical HIV services, addressing new demands and new challenges. Humanitarian assistance, mobile services, telemedicine and digital solutions were ranked as top best practices. Government representatives affirmed that successful approaches and best practices will feed the health system's modernization.