On September 11, the UNAIDS project Stars against AIDS opened at the Don State Public Library of Rostov-on- Don. Over the month, 25 photo-portraits of Russian and Ukrainian actresses, television anchors, Olympic champions, State Duma Deputies and members of the Public Chamber, and writers by well-known Moscow photographer Serge Golovach will decorate the library gallery. The purpose of the project is to draw attention to the problem of HIV- infection and, in particular, to the problem of stigma and discrimination of people living with HIV.

 

Opening ceremony

The exhibition was opened by Tatyana Bykovskaya, the Minister of Public Health of the Rostov region. She said

 

-         “For us it is very important to speak out about the problem of HIV- infection. Especially of the importance of the increase in the number of women who are infected with HIV. At the forefront is “the feminization of the epidemic”, and it is necessary to consider these new circumstances and to work in a new way. In the Rostov region over the past several years, the amount of funds grew considerably for the prevention of HIV infection.

 

A round table on the problem of the feminization of the HIV/AIDS epidemic took place as part of the exhibition. Participating were Tatyana Bykovskaya; Elena Beketova, the head physician of the Center for the Prevention and Control of AIDS and Infectious Diseases in the Rostov region; Roman Polikarpov, chairman of the Rostov regional youth public organization, Young Physicians of Don; Irina Moiseeva, chairman of the women’s club, Hope; Ivan Dmitriev, manager of the organization to support social initiatives, representatives of other state and non-governmental organizations and media outlets.

 

Irina Moiseeva works with HIV-positive women, children from HIV- positive mothers, and children living with HIV. One of the primary tasks of club Hope is to provide constant psychological support to people living with HIV. Consultations are given weekly in person and  by telephone if and when needed. Consultants are people living with HIV, who know about problems from their own experience and possess practical knowledge.

 

-         “Equality consultants” play a very important role in our work,” says Irina Moiseeva. - They help people to manage the psychological burden, to readjust, and to become accustomed to normal life in their new circumstances. Studies show that it is much more difficult for women than for men to manage the emotional and psychological aspects of the problem. Special responsibility is connected with bearing and raising children. Therefore, we now plan to open a  special “children's room” in our club.”

 

-         “In the Rostov region today, more than half of all people living with HIV are women”, said Elena Beketova, the head physician of the Center for the Prevention and Control of AIDS in the Rostov region. The majority of them are young people, including future mothers. We ensure that they receive all the necessary treatment and care. The prevention of HIV-infection constitutes an integral part of our work.

 

The Don State Public Library has the largest depository of books in the Rostov region.. Hundreds of schoolchildren and students from the Rostov colleges and schools visit daily. The overwhelming majority of library visitors are young people.

 

In the Rostov region, the public youth organization “Young Physicians of Don” works in the area of HIV/AIDS prevention among young people. Their programs include  lectures, training seminars, and theatrical productions.

 

-         “HIV- infection changed the world”, says Roman Polikarpov, the chairman of “Young Physicians of Don”. - In young people it appeared to be more dangerous. But information and the observance of simple rules will help to protect them from HIV. The project Stars against AIDS brings a striking possibility of drawing attention to the HIV problem and to state the importance of the involvement of everyone in opposing this epidemic. This is a  good example for fans of well-known people to follow. The photo exhibition of Stars against AIDS is a unique project for Rostov-on- Don. For the first time, well-known people speak out about the problem of HIV/AIDS. It is important that everyone listens to their opinion and thinks.