KULOB, July 28, 2008, Asia-Plus — The Kulob-based public association Sudmand has started implementation of the project for reduction of the risk of the HIV/AIDS infection among injecting drug users and commercial sex workers.
The Sudmand head Tolibjon Saydaliyev said that two centers of confidence for commercial sex workers and injecting drug users had been opened in the city of Kulob as part of the project. “Skilled lawyers and social specialists working with the centers make consultations available for them,” said Saydaliyev, “They may also receive disposable syringes and contraceptives at the centers.”
According to him, the project, funded by the UK Department for International Development (DFID), is designed for two years.
It is to be noted that of 155 HIV sufferers officially registered in Khatlon’s Kulob district, 119 live in the city of Kulob, and the injecting drug users constitute 60 percent of persons living with HIV in Kulob.
In the meantime, two centers of confidence currently operate at Kulob AIDS-Prevention Center # 2. The project is funded by the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria. 500 persons have used services offered by these centers.
