The Russian AIDS Center Foundation was founded a year ago by journalist and television presenter Anton Krasovsky to support people living with HIV and share information about the AIDS epidemic.
Today, at the foundation’s office, weekly support groups are held at which people living with HIV and their relatives have access to professional support. Other activities at its office include seminars on legal support, lectures on various aspects of HIV, film premieres and discussions on legislation. A hotline on HIV issues is available for calls from all over the country. Every day, the foundation’s staff address specific requests from people who have been denied treatment, trying to assist everyone who asks for help.
All the work done by the foundation is, one way or another, aimed at responding to stigma and discrimination against people living with HIV in the Russian Federation. “We are fighting discrimination and the fact that people living with HIV are considered “dirty” and contagious. We do this under an umbrella of “Don’t be afraid”—all our work is built around this slogan,” said Mr Krasovsky.
The AIDS Center Foundation exists exclusively thanks to donations by individuals and companies—there are no state or faith-based organizations among the donors. There are only a few members of staff.
“Several people have recently joined our team, who will be responsible for group programmes, lectures and community work. Shortly, a group developing a self-testing programme will join us,” said Mr Krasovsky.
“Independence is important to us. We do not agree with the attitude of government bodies towards people living with HIV, to people who use drugs. We are strong opponents of discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex people,” he added.
In recognition of the first anniversary of the foundation, Mr Krasovsky said, “All we achieved is due to our supporters. All my colleagues and myself, all the people who turned to us for help, appreciate and cherish your help. We want you to stay with us in the future, which, despite everything, we still have.”
