The Joint Action proposal on “HIV and Co-infection Prevention and Harm Reduction” (HA-REACT) addresses existing gaps in the prevention of HIV and other co-infections (especially tuberculosis and hepatitis) in priority areas of the EU. Despite huge advances in treatment and care and successful implementation of evidence-based preventive interventions in many EU member states, these infections are still not controlled among certain population groups and regions. The HA-REACT Joint action (JA) directly addresses the Communication from the Commission [COM(2009)569] on “Combating HIV/AIDS in the European Union and neighbouring countries, 2009 -2013” and relevant actions laid out in the associated [SWD(2014)106] action plan extension 2014-2016. The project takes a practical rather than a theoretical or purely guiding approach. It will implement concerted, multi-country, and multi-actor actions, strengthening evidence-based practices in the focus countries, where the situation and needs are particularly challenging. Focused action for greater impact is the leading principle of this proposal. The HA-REACT will focus on pragmatic actions targeting the most vulnerable populations, i.e. people who inject drugs (PWID). The focus countries for the JA were selected according to an objective and transparent selection criteria, developed by the ECDC and the EMCDDA in which the countries were ranked according to their epidemic situation and coverage of preventive measures. In addition to work packages of Coordination, Dissemination and Evaluation, HA-REACT actions are organized into five core work packages: Testing and linkage to care, Scaling up harm reduction, Harm reduction and continuity of care in prisons, Integrated care, Sustainability and long-term funding.
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The TB Europe Coalition (TBEC) is an advocacy network that brings together civil society representatives (individuals and organisations) from across the WHO European Region; in order to strengthen the role of civil society within the regional response to tuberculosis (TB), and to increase the political and financial commitment required to effectively control the epidemic in region. TBEC was formed by a group of TB advocates in 2009. They identified a need to capacitate and bring together civil society in order to address two major concerns: high-rates of drug resistance, coupled with low awareness among general populations and policy-makers about this problem. This was especially due to a scarcity of civil society stakeholders working on TB in the region, despite their important role within an effective response, with few capable of advocating for TB at national or regional level. TBEC addresses this by providing a coordinating body that brings together civil society stakeholders across the region, disseminates high-quality information and resources, promotes collaboration and best practice, and aims to build the advocacy capacity of civil society stakeholders working to control TB.
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