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Introducing: CORE - Community Response to End Inequalities

CORE home

Bulgaria

Health Without Borders Association (HWBA) is a non-governmental organization founded in 2004 in the city of Sofia. The mission of HWBA is to work toward a successful national HIV response and protect individual and public health by helping keep Bulgaria a country with low HIV prevalence. To achieve that HWBA provides access to free HIV testing, prevention and care continuum services; promotes prevention and sexual health education; organizes HIV awareness campaigns; leads advocacy initiatives. During the eighteen years of its existence, the organization has been continuously striving to implement innovative approaches that address the rapidly changing prevention, treatment and care environment for people living with or at risk of being infected with HIV, being at the same time a comprehensive service provider and an advocate for its clients. The vision of HWBA is a world where everybody has access to the services, information and education they need to protect their own health and wellbeing.  

Health Without Borders 

Háttér Society, founded in 1995, is the largest and oldest currently operating lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and intersex (LGBTQI) organization in Hungary. We aim to call attention to the problems faced by LGBTQI people and provide legal, sexual health, and mental health support services. Besides providing help services for PLHIV (HIV hotline, HIV peer support service, self-help groups for PLHIV and chemsex users), Háttér’s HIV/AIDS program focuses on STI prevention too. We run condom vending machines and various HIV/STI prevention and awareness campaigns while distributing leaflets at various LGBTQI venues and events.

Háttér Society

Romania

Founded on April 10, 1992 , ARAS is one of the first anti-AIDS associations in Romania and one of the first Romanian non-governmental associations that appeared after 1989. 
ARAS is a member of COALITION PLUS and a member of the Romanian Committee for Coordination of HIV/AIDS and Tuberculosis Control Programs, of the NGO Coalition for European Structural Funds and of the Romanian Harm Reduction Network (RHRN) ), having an active role in advocacy, legislative changes and representation of vulnerable people. ARAS is part of several international bodies in the field: Civil Society on HIV/AIDS Forum, Civil Society Forum on Drugs, Eurasian Harm Reduction Network (EHRN).

ARAS

Cyprus

AIDS Solidarity Movement is a non-profit, non-governmental organisation in the Republic of Cyprus dedicated to supporting people diagnosed and/or affected by HIV/AIDS. We provide psychosocial support within and beyond the State HIV Reference Clinic, while we work closely with related healthcare professionals and authorities. Since 2015, we run "Cy Checkpoint," a Testing and Information community-based and community-led CBVCT Centre, offering rapid, anonymous and free HIV/Syphilis testing and counselling services in a welcoming, safe and non-judgemental environment, that focuses on marginalized populations. We promote Combination Prevention, disseminate free condoms and lubricants, advocate for official access to PrEP, and promote awareness and knowledge development through campaigns and trainings. We are an active member of AIDS Action Europe and Cobatest Networks, work closely with EATG, and participate in local and international projects to influence public health strategies, and advocate for human rights related to PLWH

AIDS Solidarity Movement

Greece

PRAKSIS is an independent Civil Society Organization focusing on implementing projects of development, humanitarian and medical nature. PRAKSIS main goal is the eradication of social and economic exclusion of vulnerable social groups and the protection of their fundamental rights & freedoms. 
The three dimensions of the work are Prevention, Intervention/Support and Lobbying/Advocacy. Since 2004, PRAKSIS projects and interventions are providing services and support to vulnerable social groups regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, origin, ethnicity, political or religious beliefs. 

PRAKSIS

Belgium

Institute of Tropical Medicine(ITM), located in Antwerp (Belgium) is one of the world’s leading institutes for training, research and service delivery in the field of global health. 
ITM’s Sexual and Reproductive Health research group is experienced in developing and implementing community-led and participatory sexual health promotion and prevention using participatory approaches, especially for migrants (e.g. HIV prevention for sub-Saharan African migrants in Flanders).  The academic work is increasingly built on partnerships with affected communities and includes M&E of community-led prevention, peer outreach programs, and epidemic preparedness based on community engagement among ethnic minority groups. Our research ultimately aims at unpacking the intersecting barriers that reduce equitable access to general health care and the continuum of HIV services, regardless of minority and immigration status.

France

The Fédération Parapluie Rouge is made up of most of the associations/collectives working in community health and/or defending the rights of sex workers (TDS) in France, namely: Acceptess T (Paris), Autres Regards (Marseille), Bad Boys (Paris & Marseille), Cabiria (Lyon), Collectif des femmes de Strasbourg St-Denis (Paris), Grisélidis (Toulouse), PASTT (Paris), PDA (Besançon), les Roses d'Acier (Paris), STRASS- Syndicat du travail sexuel (France), les Pétrolettes (Rennes & Brest), Queer Auvergne (Clermont-Ferrand), Paloma (Nantes) and Chardon Ardent (Caen).
The Fédération Parapluie Rouge is recruiting members and is mainly aimed at community associations, groups and collectives.
Our aim is to federate all the forces fighting for the health and rights of sex workers, and particularly against HIV/AIDS & other STIs, since it was with the arrival of AIDS that community health associations were created in France. 

Fédération Parapluie Rouge 

Positive Voice is the Greek Association of People Living with HIV. The Association was founded in 2009 with the aim of defending the rights of people living with HIV, combating the spread of HIV/AIDS, as well as limiting its social and economic impact in Greece. According to its Statutes, in order to achieve its purpose, the association works to ensure better prevention and information practices, as well as social care services for people living with HIV/AIDS and vulnerable social groups. At the same time, it works for social acceptance, solidarity and support for these groups to address violations of their dignity and human rights. Its projects include the “Checkpoint” Prevention & Sexual Health Centers, the “Ref Checkpoint” center for refugees and migrants, the “Streetwork Project” and the “Red Umbrella” Empowerment Centers for Sex Workers.

Positive Voice

Germany

The focus of the work of Deutsche Aidshilfe (DAH) are people and their health. We promote structural prevention and health in the area of HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted infections (STI) for groups particularly at risk for and affected by these infections. These groups are always included in our efforts.
We want to empower people to protect themselves and create a socio-political framework where infections can be prevented. 

Deutsche Aidshilfe

Africa Advocacy Foundation (AAF) supports and empowers vulnerable and disadvantaged people. We are a community-led initiative that aims to equip diaspora communities and marginalised people with the tools they need to find better health, safety, prosperity and opportunity to lead fulfilling and happy lives.  AAF works with communities both in the UK and overseas who are affected by a range of issues including: sexual and reproductive health, violence against women and girls including Female genital mutilation (FGM) and mental health issues.

Italy

Fondazione LILA Milano – the Milanese unit of Lega Italiana per la Lotta contro l’AIDS (Italian League for Fighting AIDS) – is a non-profit organization originally established as an association of volunteers in 1989 and transformed into a participatory foundation in 2010. 
It is part of the National Federation LILA, which counts 9 branches in Italy, and has been active in the field of sexual and reproductive health and rights for over 30 years, committed to defend the right to health and to fight stigma, discrimination and any violation of the rights of people living with HIV and other vulnerable groups. It is also an advocate of harm reduction strategies in the drugs field. LILA Milano has been a partner in EU and national projects focusing on HIV, hepatitis and STIs for many years.


Fondazione LILA Milano

The European AIDS Treatment Group (EATG) is a patient-led NGO that advocates for the rights and interests of people living with or affected by HIV/ AIDS and related co-infections within the WHO Europe region. Founded in 1992, the EATG is a network of more than 150 members from 45 countries in Europe. Our members are PLHIV and representatives of different communities affected by HIV/AIDS and co-infections. EATG represents the diversity of more than 2.3 million people living with HIV in Europe as well as those affected by HIV/AIDS and co-infections. 

Through the Combination Prevention Programme, it informs, engages, and empowers all persons at risk of acquiring HIV and associated infections to increase access to and usage of HIV, viral hepatitis, TB, and STI combination prevention and testing strategies in affected communities. It promotes a full range of testing/diagnostic options, biomedical prevention, and harm reduction, in the context of welcoming, non-stigmatising, and effective community-driven or community-based services."

EATG

Poland

Fundacja Edukacji Społecznej (Foundation for Social Education) is a non-governmental, non-profit organization set up in 2002. It was acknowledged as a public benefit organization in 2012 and has the following objectives: 
To promote throughout society a better knowledge of social issues through educational activities relating to such areas as: people who use drugs; HIV infections and STIs; violence, unemployment and related issues, and social pathologies;
To create and ensure proper attitudes within society toward people who face problems and are marginalised, and, in particular, focusing on the problems of young people;
To improve the quality of life of marginalized and underprivileged groups within society.

Fundacja Edukacji Społecznej

Slovakia

Odyseus, civic association is a professional organization active in Slovakia since 1997. Our mission is to participate in human rights monitoring and increasing the quality of life of vulnerable communities,
mainly: individuals using drugs, sex workers, young people, and people living with HIV from threatened and marginalized communities and to help them to regain their equal status in society.
The activities of Odyseus are organized into 6 programs:
Outreach program Protect yourself; Drop-in K2; Social assistance; Housing for everyone; SEX/DRUGS; Red Umbrella 


Odyseus

Spain

The CEEISCAT Centre for Epidemiological Studies of Sexually Transmitted Disease and AIDS in Catalonia is a structural service of the Catalan Institute of Oncology (ICO). CEEISCAT acts as a reference body for the epidemiological surveillance and monitoring of HIV, STIs and viral hepatitis. The research activity is managed by the Germans Trias i Pujol Research Institute (IGTP), a public research centre dedicated to increasing scientific knowledge and transferring it to improve the care and lives of patients. CEEISCAT, jointly with AIDS Action Europe, is coordinating the COBATEST Network, a European network of community-based services offering testing for HIV and other STIs, and it's in charge of the monitoring and evaluation of testing activity in the network.

CEEISCAT

The European Sex Workers' Rights Alliance (ESWA) is a sex worker-led network proudly representing more than 100 organisations in 30 countries across Europe and Central Asia. Our aim is to ensure that all sex worker voices are heard and that their human, health and labour rights are recognised and protected. With our actions and approach inspired by our membership community, we work to build a strong, vibrant and sustainable network that mobilises national, regional and international advocacy activity that moves us towards long-term, systemic change.

ESWA

Czechia

The Czech Aids Help Society (in Czech: Česká společnost AIDS pomoc) is a civil society based in Prague, Czech Republic, which was established to support people living with HIV and to contribute to prevention of HIV and STDs. It operates a so-called "Lighthouse", a community house, shelter and social services center for people living with HIV in Prague. More information can be found at aids-pomoc.cz. 

Czech Aids Help Society

Portugal

GAT – Portuguese Activist Group on Treatments, founded in 2001, is a structure of individual membership and cooperation between people from different communities and organizations affected by HIV and AIDS, sexually transmitted infections, viral hepatitis, and tuberculosis. It is a non-governmental, non-profit organization headquartered in Lisbon.
It advocates for legal and policy changes that positively affect the health, rights, and quality of life of people living with HIV or at risk of becoming infected.
GAT's activities are based on the following areas of intervention: Prevention; Early diagnosis and access to health services; Treatment;; Discrimination and Stigma; Knowledge Production.

Slovenia

Legebitra is a non-partisan LGBT civil society organization, active in the fields of human rights, education, mental, physical and sexual health, and advocates social and systemic changes based on respect for sexual orientation, gender identity and/or gender expression. It takes into account the intersection of other personal circumstances, such as health, nationality, race or ethnic origin, language, religion or belief, handicap, age, social status, wealth, education or any other personal circumstance.

Legebitra

Hungary

The Rights Reporter Foundation (RRF) is a human rights NGO based in Budapest, founded by Hungarian activists to advocate for the human rights of marginalised populations. We educate the public, we advocate for humane and pragmatic public policies, we produce videos for change and we train activists to make their voices heard. Our website, Drugreporter, has articles and videos in three languages, promoting drug policy reform and harm reduction. 

Rights Reporter Foundation

Carusel appeared in 2011 out of the need for solidarity, to offer social and medical services to people in situations of extreme vulnerability. 
We try to give a voice to the most vulnerable of the vulnerable - homeless people, drug users, people who practice commercial sex, people in extreme poverty or at risk of social exclusion, those living with HIV, TB or other diseases infectious diseases, victims of abuse, the undocumented or without medical care, refugees, victims of disasters and many others. There are those who no one sees, who are marginalized, humiliated, bullied or ignored. Through our interventions we aim for something else: to restore their dignity and remind them that they are human.

Carusel

Sweden

Noaks Ark Mosaik works to offer qualitative target group-adapted primary and secondary HIV / STI prevention programs. We aim at promoting health and quality of life for people living with HIV and their nearest. Our primary target groups are migrants and foreign-born living in the southern part of Sweden and their nearest.
The specific objectives are to offer professional and qualitative support to and working for and with vulnerable and disadvantaged people with HIV and their nearest, promote rapid testing for HIV, increase knowledge and opinion about HIV, other viral and sexually transmitted infections, promote sexual and reproductive health and rights and to defend human rights and values where these are threatened as a result of HIV. 

Noaks Ark Mosaik

AIDS Action Europe is a bilingual (English-Russian) regional network of 370 NGOs, national networks and community-based groups, based in 47 countries of the WHO European Region.
AIDS Action Europe´s mission is to strengthen civil society to work towards a more effective response to the HIV/AIDS, TB and viral hepatitis epidemics in Europe and Central Asia. We are striving for the best standards of human rights protection and universal access to prevention, treatment, care and support, tackling health inequalities and focusing on key affected populations.

Network

Correlation European Harm Reduction Network is a European network and center of expertise based in Amsterdam, established in 2004. Hosted by the Foundation De Regenboog Groep, it focuses on drug use, harm reduction, and social inclusion. The network brings together various stakeholders, including grassroots organizations, service providers, research institutes, and health service providers, with over 150 organizational and 100 individual members from across Europe. C-EHRN actively participates in EU policy initiatives, collaborates with community-led organizations, and cooperates with other European networks and organizations to contribute to policy development, capacity building, and program implementation in the field of drugs and drug addiction.

Correlation

The VIA- Verband für Interkulturelle Arbeit Berlin/Brandenburg e.V. is an umbrella organisation of 51 different migrant organisations and intercultural associations in Berlin, as well as the sponsor of 9 projects in the field of refugee, migration, health and resettlement work. One of its projects is Afrikaherz, which was founded in 1998, and is dedicated to improving both the primary and secondary prevention of HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Afrikaherz advises and supports African migrants, including refugees, on access to health care, psychosocial and legal issues. The project also develops information and educational materials as well as communicational strategies (workshops, seminars and campaigns) to improve the wellbeing of people living with HIV.

Afrikaherz

CORE – COmmunity REsponse to End Inequalities aims to reduce inequalities in the HIV, TB and viral hepatitis responses by promoting, strengthening and integrating community responses that have proven key in reaching communities that have been traditionally underserved by mainstream prevention and healthcare services.
This approach is particularly vital in the context of countries where these responses are still inadequate compared to the EU average.

News

CORE Partners

CORE aims to support exchange and dialogue between community-led and community-based service providers, community networks, representatives of key affected communities, and other stakeholders for the development and implementation of national and local programmes in response to HIV/AIDS, TB, viral hepatitis, and STIs. CORE wants to ensure that groups currently lacking adequate access to services are reached and involved in the project. Generating interest and gaining the support of key actors to promote the sustainability, transferability and scale up of the project output are part of the efforts.

Supporting exchange and dialogue 

CORE aims to address policy, legal and structural barriers to create an operating environment that is supportive and appreciative of community-led and community-based initiatives in response to HIV/AIDS, TB, viral hepatitis, and STIs.

Addressing policy, legal and structural barriers

CORE aims to strengthen the capacity of community-led and community-based services to provide prevention, testing, counselling, linkage to and retention in care with respect to HIV/AIDS, TB, viral hepatitis and STI. To build the capacity of community-led and community-based services to respond to the needs of individuals who experience multiple vulnerabilities and/or belong to more than one key population (intersectionality).

Strengthening the capacity of community-led/based services

As a reflection of the Global AIDS Strategy 2021-2026, and focusing on EU Member States in central and south-eastern Europe, CORE follows the flowing strategic objectives:

CORE Strategic Objectives

CORE aims to consolidate and increase the scope and effectiveness of community-based linkage to care in an integrated testing approach for the early diagnosis of HIV, TB, viral hepatitis, and STI and aims to ensure effective referral to mainstream healthcare services through a peer approach.

Consolidating and increasing the scope and effectiveness of community-based linkage to care

Scope of Implementation

Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsiable for them.