Vera Brezhneva, UNAIDS Goodwill Ambassador for Eastern Europe and Central Asia, has called for zero discrimination during a visit to a centre providing services for people living with HIV in Saint Petersburg, Russian Federation.
Ms Brezhneva visited the Centre for Social Services for Families and Children in the Krasnoselsky district of the city on the eve of Zero Discrimination Day on 1 March. One of the centre’s main goals is to provide social support for women living with HIV, as well as for their children and other family members.
The centre is part of a pilot project launched by the city of Saint Petersburg that aims to broaden support for people living with HIV. More than 260 people, including pregnant women, former prisoners and drug users, are benefiting from the centre’s services, which include peer-to-peer counselling, care and support.
“I am deeply inspired by the people I met and their moving stories. This is a model centre that treats clients as human beings and addresses their situations without judgement but with practical support. I know anyone can face difficulties in life. We should never discriminate against anyone. We must be more tolerant and understanding of the challenges others face. I encourage everyone to show compassion and support, especially towards those living with HIV.”
Vera Brezhneva, UNAIDS Goodwill Ambassador for Eastern Europe and Central Asia
“People living with HIV can now live a full and long life. HIV-positive pregnant women who receive early diagnosis and treatment can and must give birth to healthy children. We need to create conditions where no one will fear being tested for HIV, or fear condemnation and isolation for being HIV-positive, and where all people with HIV can access life-saving treatment as early as possible.”
Yevgeny Voronin, Chief Expert on HIV, Women and Children, Russian Ministry of Health
“Removing stigma and discrimination is essential so that people living with HIV can maintain their health and take care of their children's future.”
Anna Shpilevskaya, Deputy Director of the Centre for Social Services for Families and Children Affected by HIV in the Krasnoselsky district of Saint Petersburg
“I have been living with HIV for 15 years. My husband is HIV-negative, and we have a healthy baby. This was possible thanks to the fact that I was not afraid to come forward to access antiretroviral treatment, work with health workers and take care of my own health.”
Maria Godlevskaya, Project Coordinator from the Russian nongovernmental organization EVA
