Ukraine / Eastern Europe
Between 2008 and 2011, Mildmay delivered palliative care training for Ministry of Health workers in Ukraine, alongside training for faith‑based drug rehabilitation workers in Ukraine, Russia, Belarus, Romania and Moldova.
Mildmay partnered with the International Substance Abuse and Addiction Coalition (ISACC) and Samaritan’s Purse to provide ongoing training for more than 120 staff and volunteers from Christian drug rehabilitation centres in Ukraine.
The training covered basic HIV awareness and holistic care and treatment for people living with HIV. It was developed and led by Mildmay UK healthcare professionals specialising in complex HIV and AIDS palliative care and rehabilitation services.
In March 2011, Mildmay prepared to scale up operations in Eastern Europe, responding to rising HIV rates and the need for an integrated response. Mildmay International’s Chief Executive, Fi McLachlan, visited Estonia and Ukraine to assess needs and develop partnerships with local organisations, aiming to strengthen HIV treatment, education and support services for vulnerable groups.
Context:
As part of Mildmay’s strategic plan “One Step Beyond” (2011–2014), the organisation sought institutional funding to establish programmes in Eastern Europe, with proposals under consideration and plans to recruit a regional programme manager if successful. During the visit, Fi chaired a workshop with Ukrainian HIV agency staff in Kharkiv (Kharkov), noting barriers such as limited antiretroviral treatment coverage, stigma, and high rates of injection drug use in some areas. The focus remained on training, education, awareness, and linking to community‑based care.