Results of the "Children plus" project

"Children Plus", a five year project, was launched in February 2008. It is implemented in 11 regions of Ukraine. Specialist technical support on disclosing HIV-positive diagnosis between parents and their children is provided by the Romanian Angel Appeal; one of the foremost agencies in Europe in this area. The financial input of the Elena Pinchuk ANTIAIDS Foundation is 2,5 mln USD. The Elton John AIDS Foundation provides financial and management oversight and resources and secured an additional 500,000 from the UK's Big Lottery Fund.

Critical to the progrmame is supporting vulnerable families to prevent their collapse and the ultimate institutionalization of children. The project has prevented the institutionalisation of 1 872 children with HIV-positive parents from 1 381 families in crisis. These children have stayed with their biological families due to the help of psychologists, social workers, and lawyers, who have collectively provided case management for the family and engaged children's parents in self-support groups and parenting schools.

Additionally 119 HIV positive orphans have been found new families.

1 326 children have gone through the process of "status disclosure". which is critical to treatment adherence and life long self esteem and responsible sexual behaviour. The status was disclosured for 1 101 children.

To reduce stigma against HIV in schools, 4 017 teachers from child care institutions have been trained on HIV/AIDS (201 training). This is progressively reducing stigma and discrimination against children at schools and child care institutions who are affected or infection with HIV/AIDS.

The project is implemented in 11 regions: Cherkassy, Kharkov, Odessa, Poltava, Sumy, Nikolayev, Makeyevka, Simferopol, Sevastopol, Chernigov and Donetsk.

For detailed information, please contact Pavel Piminov, Communications Director the Elena Pinchuk ANTIAIDS Foundation: +380 44 490 4805, [email protected].