Samenvatting

Background: Although the incidence of HIV/AIDS has decreased globally, it is on the rise in Eastern Europe. The primary mode of HIV transmission in the region is injecting drug use (IDU) due to the smuggling routes of Afghan heroin into Europe, which makes drugs widely available. The widespread sharing of HIV-contaminated needles and syringes among injecting drug users (IDUs) plays a major role in the spread of HIV. While there is still no cure for HIV, early diagnosis and adequate HIV treatment and care can suppress the virus. Objective: The objective of this study is to determine to what extent the European Union (EU) has contributed to advanced HIV prevention, treatment and care in Eastern Europe. In Western Europe, implementation of effective HIV interventions have resulted in a less severe HIV epidemic. Therefore, this study identifies and evaluates current EU strategies on HIV/AIDS, focussed on eastern neighbouring countries.
Method: The research methods of this study comprise primary and secondary research. Primary research consist of two in-depth interviews. Secondary research consist of gathering information available in books, catalogues, and on the internet, especially ‘Google Scholar’, ‘EBSCOhost’, and ‘Springer’ for journals and research.
Results: First, Elena Voskresenskaya, director of ‘AIDS foundation East-West (AFEW)’ in Ukraine, provided a clear view of the HIV/AIDS situation in the region. According to her, access to HIV prevention treatment and care has increased. However, this remains limited to marginalized groups, such as drug users, due to stigma and discrimination, low political investment, reduced funds from international donors and sustainability issues. Second, Anke van Dam (director of ‘AFEW, the Netherlands’) and Corie Leifer (project manager of ‘AFEW, the Netherlands’) elaborated on current issues at EU-level, which includes the need for a reformed HIV/AIDS Action Plan and a debate on the Global Fund’s withdrawal of funds in the region.
Conclusion: The EU has contributed to advanced access to HIV, prevention, treatment and care through state-channelled actions. It includes ‘the Communication on HIV/AIDS in Neighbouring Countries’ (extensively funded through the Global Fund), ‘European Neighbourhood policy (ENP)’ , ‘the Civil Society Forum’ and ‘the Think Tank’. NGO-channelled actions include bringing the EU and its policies closer to the ordinary citizen, providing input to policy dialogue and implementing EU-funded projects, which have decreased. The following recommendations are in place: 1) keep HIV/AIDS a priority 2) reform current policies and 3) ensure funding and sustainability.