Conference dedicated to World AIDS Day
Conference, dedicated to World AIDS Day, was held at “PARK INN” hotel in Baku on December 3, 2008. Event has been conducted with support of United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime and Aid Foundation of Open Society Institute. The Parliament, UN agencies, Apparatus of President, non-governmental organizations, Global Foundation, Ministries of Education, Youth and Sport, Health, embassies, international organizations, trade unions, members of Harm Reduction Network, Mass Media, Public Health and Reforms Center, PLWHA, international experts, educational institutions were broadly represented at this conference. Main objectives were avocation on prevention of HIV/AIDS with special focus on vulnerable group of population, acknowledgment and recognition of HIV/AIDS problem among IDUs by officials and creation a favorable social environment for improving of access to HIV/AIDS Prevention and care services, including vulnerable population as well as support the positive role of civil society role in this regard.
Effective HIV prevention among vulnerable groups, Harm Reduction problems, role of civil sectors in HIV prevention and multi-sector co-operation were discussed at the Conference. According to conclusion made unanimously by the participants the most efficient way to prevent HIV-epidemics in Azerbaijan is Harm Reduction programs particularly among injecting drug users. Practice of Harm Reduction exists in Azerbaijan and organizations apply this practice quiet efficiently. However there is acute need for increasing of public awareness, amendment of legislation and improving of budget allocations for proper addressing of HIV/AIDS preventive and treatment issues in all districts of Azerbaijan.
The Conference participants, assessing positively the current activities carried out by UNODC and non-governmental organizations acting in Harm Reduction field, elaboration of educational and professional standards, drafting of a new Law on AIDS by the Social Policy Standing Commission of the Parliament, called to mobilize all efforts for implementation of Harm Reduction Principles more extensively and efficiently in our country.
Participants appeal to authorities, official bodies, governmental and nongovernmental organization to facilitate the HIV prevention issues in civil society and promote these principles for effective implementation in daily life. Event was aligned with human rights based approaches and contributes to diminution of stigma and discrimination to IDUs and PLWHA.
Text of Appeal is enclosed
to Government, Milli Meclis and civil society of Azerbaijan Republic
from participants of National Conference devoted to World AIDS Day
“Prevention of HIV/AIDS is your responsibility”
Taking into consideration rapid spreading of HIV infections among population of Azerbaijan and high rate of HIV prevalence among injecting drug users as well as real danger of transformation of the epidemics situation from the concentrated phase to generalized;
Expressing concern on low awareness of general population on ways of HIV/AISDS spreading and preventative measures as well as lack of access for preventative and treatment services;
Supporting health and justice reforms for their significant contribution and effective intervention in public health, civil society development and protection of human rights area;
Emphasizing the best practices and experience of non-governmental and civil organizations in the related fields;
Considering the high importance of cooperation and coordination between governmental and non governmental organizations, opportunity for best usage of their experience, power and potential in order to accelerate the reforms and increase their efficiency in this issue
It has been stated the followings:
There is a great necessity for extension of HIV prevention and treatment services and integration these services in public health care system.
Harm Reduction Strategy is most proven and effective prevention tools, particularly among target population. This strategy includes opioid substitution therapy, needle and syringe exchange programmes, rehabilitation and other measures.
In order to extend gradually Harm Reduction Principles in our country it should be fully reflected in the current normative legislation system and completely adjusted in health , justice, finance, education and civil sectors for better implementation in the practice.
The Conference participants, applying to the Parliament, Ministries of Health, Justice, Internal Affairs, Education, Youth and Sport, State Committee for Work with Refuges and Internally Displaces Persons, State Committee on Family, Women and Children Problems, Ombudsman, State Committee Against Drug Addiction and Illegal Drug Trafficking, also to international organizations, representatives of diplomatic corps operating in the country as well as to non-governmental organizations and mass media, call them to mobilize all efforts for effective implementation of Harm Reduction Principles in our country.
Conference participants,
December 3, 2008
