Mobile health services for 1000 Moscow drug users
ARF plans to purchase and maintain a mobile van to provide lifesaving health services to 1000 young disadvantaged drug users on the streets of Moscow, Russia.
What is the issue, problem, or challenge?
Moscow has a growing population of drug injectors. Health authorities do not provide targeted health services, and stigma averts street drug users from protecting their health and dignity. As a result of needle-sharing, HIV is spreading fast. ARF provides needles, HIV and hepatitis tests, basic health services, social support, and referral. But we provide only on-foot outreach and cannot increase the daily number of clients. Due to cold weather in winter our services are often interrupted.
How will this project solve this problem?
ARF is the only organization that provides targeted HIV prevention and harm reduction services to drug users in Moscow. We will purchase and maintain a vehicle to ensure uninterrupted provision of primary medical help, and better quality and comfort of HIV and other health counseling aimed at reducing drug related harm. More drug users will receive counseling, testing, referral to municipal medical services, warmth from heart to heart and much needed support from their peers.
Potential Long Term Impact
The project will provide health education, lifesaving harm reduction services and support to 1000 drug users, enabling them to protect their health, prevent HIV and hepatitis, gain skills to avert overdose, obtain necessary treatment, including referral to rehabilitation and reintegrate into society.
Project Message
If it wasn't for harm reduction, I don't know if I would still be alive. Today I help other drug users to protect themselves. Everyone should have access to lifesaving services, and a chance to live!
Maxim Malyshev, Outreach manager in ARF
For more information about the project, please click here.
Funding Information
- Total Funding Received to Date: $14,091
- Remaining Goal to be Funded: $45,908
- Total Funding Goal: $60,000
Donate by US Mobile Phone
Text GIVE 10044 to 80088 to donate $10 to Mobile health services for 1000 Moscow drug users. Message and data rates may apply. Only works for US mobile phones.
Keep up-to-date with drug policy developments by subscribing to the IDPC Monthly Alert.