The FINANCIAL — Ukraine takes the first place in Europe by the rate of HIV/AIDS epidemic expansion. Almost 90 % of HIV-infected citizens of Ukraine are young people of reproductive and working age – 15-49 years old.
According to a press-release, forwarded to UNIAN by ICF “International HIV/AIDS Alliance in Ukraine, from April 15 till May 23, 2008, 15 thousand students of 50 higher educational establishments in Kyiv, Odesa and Dnipropetrovsk will be able to get free anonymous consultations and undergo rapid testing for HIV in their colleges. At the same time 100 thousand young people will receive prophylactic information on the ways of HIV transmission, and free condoms.
It is expected that this first in the history of Ukraine mass project, implemented by ICF ‘International HIV/AIDS Alliance in Ukraine’ with the support of Levi Strauss Foundation will lay the basis of systematical changes in students’ lives motivating safer behavior and resulting in decline of new cases of HIV-infecting among youth in Ukraine. Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine and Ministry of Health of Ukraine are project partners from the governmental side.
‘The reality is that HIV and AIDS exist and young people have unprotected sex and often don’t know their HIV status. This puts themselves at terrible and unnecessary risk. In Ukraine, HIV is spreading at an alarmingly fast rate and we feel strongly that we have a responsibility to raise awareness of an issue which is affecting the country’s young population. – says Mike Joubert, Vice President Marketing, Levi Strauss Europe, Middle East and North Africa; Trustee of the Levi Strauss Foundation.
With an impressive 155-year history built on strong values, Levi Strauss & Co. supports the Levi Strauss Foundation`s work in the community and celebrates youthful spirit and freedom of expression by actively taking a stand on big issues like HIV and AIDS. By consistently doing our bit to create public awareness through initiatives such as the HIV Testing Program for Youth and the Levi`s World Aids Day, we are mobilising our resources and the Levi’s brand to prevent the spread of the disease in Ukraine’ – adds Mike Joubert.
‘Students of Kyiv, Odesa and Dniproperovsk will get free access to HIV-testing with rapid tests, consultations and information. This project unites government, NGOs, business, 50 higher educational establishments and… 100 thousand students. We haven’t had any such projects in Ukraine yet. I am sure, that together we can make preventive work more effective!’ – points out Andriy Klepikov, Executive Director of the Alliance Ukraine.
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