From 13 to 15 October, Nikolay Lunchenkov, LGBT Health Coordinator at ECOM, took part in the Fast-Track Cities international conference in Paris, which is an important platform for exchanging experience and strengthening cooperation in the fight against HIV, tuberculosis and hepatitis. The conference brought together more than 500 cities and municipalities aimed at accelerating measures to combat these diseases, with the goal of achieving the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.
"This is not the first time that ECOM has taken part in the Fast-Track Cities conference, because for us this conference is an opportunity to strengthen our positions and expand our influence on the LGBT community in the region. Participation in such events allows us to establish new connections with international partners, adopt best practices and draw attention to the specific issues that our communities face," says Nikolay.
At the conference, Nikolay Lunchenkov presented two studies devoted to current issues related to the health of LGBT communities in Eastern Europe and Central Asia.
The first study presented by Nikolay focuses on partner violence among PrEP users in pre-war Ukraine. The study reveals high levels of violence among gay, bisexual and other MSM. The authors of the study emphasize that the vulnerability of LGBT people may have been further exacerbated by the ongoing war.
The main recommendations of the study include:
- Providing comprehensive support for PrEP users in Ukraine, including measures to prevent violence in partner relationships
- Integrating screening for violence into routine health care practices to more effectively identify cases of violence and refer victims to support services
The second study focuses on chemsex among gay, bisexual and other MSM in Almaty, Kazakhstan. Nikolay presented the results of a qualitative analysis that identified both motivational factors and risks associated with chemsex. The study shows that chemsex serves as a coping mechanism for LGBT communities, a source of sexual freedom, and a means of social connection, but it is also associated with serious risks to mental and physical health.
"The Fast-Track Cities 2024 conference is another step towards accelerating progress in achieving equal access to health services and protecting the rights of the LGBT community. We are confident that thanks to ECOM's active stance, regional initiatives on HIV prevention, support for LGBT people and stigma reduction can reach a new level of effectiveness and accessibility," said Nikolay Lunchenkov.
ECOM's participation in the conference highlights the importance of representing the voices of LGBT activists, including people living with HIV, on the global stage to advance health and human rights issues.
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