Exploring the health needs of internally displaced women living with or at heightened risk for HIV in Ukraine

Ukraine has been facing a severe humanitarian crisis since Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022, leading to significant internal displacement. Internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Ukraine encounter major healthcare challenges due to destroyed facilities and shortages of medical professionals. Among these IDPs, women living with, or at increased risk for HIV, are particularly vulnerable to adverse health consequences and disruptions in their access to necessary prevention and treatment services. 

This project aims to explore the health needs of HIV-affected women IDPs in Ukraine, focusing on physical and mental health topics and barriers to accessing medical and public health services. Through qualitative interviews with service providers and women IDP, the study seeks to understand the specific challenges faced by this population. By partnering with local NGOs and service providers, the project will gather data and develop a comprehensive understanding of these women's healthcare needs. The findings will inform the development of a survey to measure the scope of these needs, with the ultimate aim of informing policy and program development to improve health outcomes for HIV-affected women IDP in Ukraine.The project goals include finding intervention opportunities to empower women IDP to better manage their health and the health of their families. 

Expected outcomes include increased awareness of the health challenges faced by women IDPs in Ukraine, collaborative journal publications, a stakeholder report in the country, and the potential for a larger-scale quantitative study. The project seeks to contribute to health equity by identifying and addressing the unique needs of this vulnerable population, ensuring improved access to necessary medical and public health services.