One out of every hundred people between the ages of 15 and 49 is infected with HIV, according to the Ukraine’s Ministry of Health. This is one of the highest rates among European countries. But even the official figures are not accurate, because one can be a carrier of the virus and remain unaware about it for years.

There are many myths about the spread of HIV in Ukraine; one of the most common is that HIV is transmitted during everyday life. Misconceptions about this disease affect people with HIV, who often conceal their status to avoid discrimination.

During the discussion we will talk about how to ensure the right of children with HIV-positive status to non-discrimination. Why do parents refuse antiretroviral therapy, which is free in Ukraine and can provide HIV-positive children with a full life? We will also consider how to help children with HIV-positive status exercise their rights, including the right to education.

The event is in Ukrainian with sign language translation.

Speakers:

Danylo Stolbunov, activist of Teenergizer;

Yana Panfilofa, founder of Teenergizer;

Oleksandr Pavlichenko, Executive Director of the UHHRU;

Олександра Виноградова, expert on the issues of stigma and discrimination related to HIV and the development of social services in the public health field.

Moderator: Tania Kasyan, journalist, Communications Manager of the NGO Fulcrum UA.