AEGiS-15IAC: Non-governmental organization formation and operation by and for HIV/AIDS-inflicted people and intravenous drug users.

15th International AIDS Conference

Bangkok, Thailand - July 11-16, 2004

Non-governmental organization formation and operation by and for HIV/AIDS-inflicted people and intravenous drug users.

Int Conf AIDS 2004 Jul 11-16; 15:(abstract no. WePeD6287)

Lasher SS, Mykytyn AM, Korole VV, Ageyeva NY
NGO - Charity Fund 'Solidarity', Ivano-Frankivsk, Ukraine

ISSUE: Whether HIV/AIDS-inflicted people (AIP) and intravenous drug users (IDU) in Ivano-Frankivsk, Ukraine can successfully organize and operate their own non-governmental organization (NGO) to define their individual rights and advocate the respect of those rights?

DESCRIPTION: The NGO - Charity Fund "Solidarity" has as its mission to help AIP and IDU through the creation and implementation of programs (needle exchange and condom distribution, training classes, psychological consultation). Consistent with its mission to help AIP and IDU, Solidarity suggested and then facilitated the creation of an NGO by and for the AIP and IDU. Solidarity believed that its clients, albeit IDU and AIP and in need of support, had the inner strength and intelligence and assertiveness to define for themselves their rights and advocate against abuses of those rights. The clients formed the NGO - "Law for Us". Further, the NGO formed a relationship with the local law school clinic. Law students assisted in the formation of the NGO and assist in (a) defining members' rights; (b) advocating against abuse; (c) consulting; and (d) representing them in civil cases. The formation of the NGO, the involvement of AIP and IDU in advocacy and the involvement of the law students were also the key elements of an advocacy grant which was recently funded. The NGO, led by IDU/AIP, is actively engaged in planning its advocacy campaign. Additionally, it is soliciting the aid of local lawyers to advocate in the instance of abuse of rights and in criminal matters and at no cost to the client.

LESSONS LEARNED: AIP and IDU, with approximately 80% of the AIP being IDU, have an immense capacity and desire to help themselves. An organization can promote the empowerment of the AIP and IDU by suggesting, facilitating and supporting their effort to organize themselves, determine a mission for the newly-formed organization and operate consistent with that mission.

RECOMMENDATIONS: Respect the capabilities of the AIP and IDU. Believe in their collective ability to change their situation and do everything in your power to encourage their organization for that purpose.

Keywords: AEGIS, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, HIV Seropositivity, Organizations, Substance Abuse, Intravenous, Human Rights, Health Planning, Ukraine, United States, Humans, Female, organization & administration, education

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