Because of the coronavirus, we must not neglect HIV prevention

The coronavirus epidemic should not distract attention from the need for effective harm reduction and prevention programs in relation to HIV, because quality and sustainable prevention programs provide excellent results in controlling the HIV epidemic among vulnerable populations.

The representative of NGO CAZAS, Sanja Šišović, for the PR Center, assessed that the global coronavirus pandemic has caused health and socio-economic consequences everywhere in the world, and they are especially visible in vulnerable categories.

"These vulnerable groups also include people who are at increased risk of HIV infection. In the context of the populations we work with and provide preventive services to, namely people who use drugs, young people who engage in risky behavior and seafarers, it is worrying that during this period they were additionally vulnerable. Although we tried to fully adapt our services to the new circumstances and to include as many users as possible, the fact is that the consequences of the epidemic will be visible long after the epidemic has, I hope, been successfully dealt with," said Šišović.

The United Nations Office for Organized Crime and Drugs has, as it stated, published the Global Report on Drugs, where the current situation in the world is compared with what happened during and after the global economic crisis in 2008.

"The report warns that it is expected that there will be an increase in drug use, an increase in risky behavior patterns. They warn that the mistake that happened in 2008 should not be repeated, which is that most governments in the world seek budget savings precisely in programs for prevention, the fight against drug abuse, or some other preventive programs. We must not allow that, because after 2008, any savings on those programs returned as a multiple boomerang. From 2008 until now, we have had a continuous increase in the number of people who use drugs," Šišović pointed out.

UNAIDS studies show that if the work of preventive services is reduced, or completely canceled for a period of six months, several hundred deaths caused by HIV can be expected as a consequence.

"We have been fighting the HIV epidemic in Montenegro since 1989, and since 1983 in the world. It is an epidemic that lasts for a very long time and with the existence of such preventive services and the clear determination of the state and the world to fight this epidemic, we in Montenegro have managed to maintain a low rate of disease, but this can easily change if these programs are not sustainable and efficient, if they do not work continuously, at a quality level with the highest standards," said Šišović.

As she said, in the countries where the service was interrupted even for a short time, a significant increase in HIV cases was recorded.

"The current situation that is happening must not divert attention from the need for the existence of these services and from the need for an effective fight and prevention in relation to HIV," said Šišović.

Preventive programs for HIV implemented in Montenegro are so-called harm reduction programs and function in accordance with scientifically proven methodology.

"These are public health programs supported by the World Health Organization, the UN system and several governments and health institutions in the world. They are supported because of their results in controlling the HIV epidemic among key populations. These programs are mainly implemented by non-governmental organizations that have adequate knowledge, capacities, experience and have undergone adequate training programs, study visits, and that have had the opportunity to gather knowledge from other countries for decades in order to be able to reach these populations," explained Šišović. .

The Coordinator of the Direct Assistance Program at the NGO Juventas, Marija Radović, said that the organization has been implementing various preventive activities for years that are in line with the Strategy for the fight against HIV/AIDS and are aimed at people who use drugs, who sell sexual services, such as and on prisoners and ex-prisoners.

"During the last year, we provided services to 474 clients who belong to the population of people who use drugs and to 115 people who sell sexual services. When the emergence and spread of the Covid-19 virus occurred, we did not stop providing our services for a single moment and adapted all services to the needs of our clients," said Radović for the PR Center.

The distribution and replacement of accessories for safe drug injection, as well as the distribution of free lubricants and condoms, were carried out smoothly.

"We continued to provide the service of washing and drying clothes, and now it has been intensified, which is one of the measures to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. What was necessary to introduce as an additional service, and in accordance with the deteriorating economic and social status of our clients, is the service of sharing free food packages. Those packages were distributed to the most vulnerable clients, which were about 50 individuals or families. We provided the service for eight weeks, and the packages were distributed once a week and contained food items needed for seven days," said Radović.

Consultations with field and expert workers of drop-in centers were done, as she clarified, by telephone and online.

"What turned out to be very significant was that we did not interrupt any of our services or activities. The number of consultations increased during the epidemic, because due to the high degree of isolation there was a decrease in the support network, which led to the deterioration of mental health. The risk of discrimination, domestic violence, etc. increased. We are satisfied with the fact that we were there for our clients at all times," said Radović.

The service for prisoners functioned by, as she explained, equipment for sewing masks for prisoners and employees was donated, "and we were available by phone for all prisoners who had any objections and needed support, and we dealt with all complaints in a timely manner and remarks".

The coordinator of the harm reduction program at NGO CAZAS, Boban Sekulić, said that the available services are constantly being adapted to the needs of people who use drugs.

"Thus, during the pandemic, we had to adapt additionally. We had to limit our working hours in accordance with the curfew. We had to temporarily stop some services, and these are the services that carry the greatest risk. We adapted some services by implementing them through social networks and telephone. "These are consultation services with a medical, social worker, psychologist," said Sekulić.

Due to the new situation and listening to the needs of addicts, as he said, certain funds were redirected to the purchase of food that would be distributed to addicts in the form of lunch packages.