We facilitate dialogue between governments, civil society, scientists, and health care providers. AFEW
International Postal Address
AFEW International
P.O.
AFEW International is a Dutch non-governmental humanitarian public health organisation dedicated to giving support and a strong international voice on rights and on health access to underserved populations in Eastern Europe and Central Asia. Since 2001 AFEW International has been working for all people in Eastern Europe and Central Asia region who face barriers in accessing health, justice, and social participation. At risk and underserved communities face significant barriers to accessing essential health and social services while experiencing high burden of disease and ill health, and are especially affected by HIV, TB and HCV, diseases of poverty, stigma, exclusion and ignorance. What we do?
- Advocating for human rights for key populations and upholding their rights to health.
- Engaging communities in developing participatory approaches.
- Countering stigma associated with HIV/AIDS, hepatitis and TB by providing information to community leaders and creating a supportive environment.
- Developing and support health services for key populations.
- Utilizing innovative strategies to promote healthy behaviours.
- Presenting the EECA HIV health/rights context at the global level – with international fora, networks and experts.
- Linking West and East, and facilitate dialogues at regional and country level. AFEW has evolved over 20 years to form a partnership of independent local organisations working in the countries of Eastern Europe and Central Asia. Currently, the AFEW Partnership consists of five members operating in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, the Netherlands, Russia and Ukraine. Box 75752
1070 AT Amsterdam
The Netherlands
Website: www.afew.org
Chamber of Commerce registration no. 34148682 (Amsterdam, the Netherlands)
As 2025 comes to a close, we reflect with gratitude on our achievements and the steadfast support of our partners, donors, and allies. Together, we have continued advancing health and social equity across Eastern Europe and Central Asia.
Thank you for standing with us!
In 2026, we will focus on strengthening partnerships across the region and beyond. We will continue empowering voices for inclusive development, supporting civil society organizations (CSOs), and assisting those most in need. We will amplify the voice of the EECA region in pan-European donor and governmental discussions, acting as a bridge for collaboration and exchange between East and West, while steadfastly advocating for human rights and equitable access to healthcare. We will continue working together and keep driving meaningful change!
Wishing you a joyful festive season and a successful New Year!
The AFEW International team.
11/12/2025
On 18 December, International Migrants Day 2025, the Regional Expert Group on Migration and Health (REG) is hosting an online meeting:
“Migrant Health Beyond Borders: Human Stories and Pathways to Sustainable Community Health”
(Access to health and social services for key populations among migrants in host countries)
🕙 10:00–11:30 CET on Zoom
The program includes two thematic parts:
🔹 Social Determinants
Experts from NGOs supporting refugees and migrants will share real-world cases, highlighting both the pathways and barriers faced when accessing treatment.
🔹 Sustainability
Discussion on future scenarios for ensuring the long-term viability of community-based and migrant-led NGOs, with an emphasis on opportunities for local funding.
To join the meeting, please register using the link -
18 декабря 10:00 CET (центральноевропейское время)
09/12/2025
Насилие — не норма.
Интервью с директором Центра «Нихол» Ширин Рашидовой
В рамках кампании «16 дней активизма против насилия» наш партнер Центр развития современной журналистики в Узбекистане подготовил интервью с директором Центра «Нихол» Ширин Рашидовой. Она делится честными наблюдениями о страхах, барьерах и реальности, в которой живут женщины: от бытового и цифрового насилия до уязвимости мигранток и рисков торговли людьми. Главный вывод прост — помощь начинается не с формальных процедур, а с уважения, доверия и человеческого участия.
❗️Zo‘ravonlik — odatiy hol emas: “Nihol” markazi direktori Shirin Rashidova erkinlik, migratsiya va ayollarning xavfsizlik huquqi haqida
“Zo‘ravonlikka qarshi 16 kun” kampaniyasi doirasida Shirin Rashidova ayollar duch kelayotgan bosim, nazorat, raqamli zo‘ravonlik, migratsiya davridagi xavflar va odam savdosining real ko‘rinishlari haqida ochiq gapirdi. Unga ko‘ra, haqiqiy yordam jarayonlar yoki hujjatlardan emas — hurmat, ishonch va insoniy yondashuvdan boshlanadi.
⏺Rashidovaning fikricha, eskirgan me’yorlar, media stereotiplari, iqtisodiy qaramlik va ayblanishdan qo‘rquv ayollarning xavfsizligini cheklaydi. Zo‘ravonlik esa hech qachon “oilaviy masala” emas — bu jamiyat muammosi. Uni faqat tizimli yondashuv hal qiladi: malakali mutaxassislar, ishlaydigan himoya mexanizmlari va ayollarning huquqlarini hurmat qiladigan madaniyat.
Ushbu nashr Yevropa Ittifoqi tomonidan moliyalashtirilgan/birgalikda moliyalashtirilgan. Uning mazmuni uchun faqat Zamonaviy Jurnalistikani Rivojlantirish Markazi mas’ul bo‘lib, u Yevropa Ittifoqining fikrini aks ettirishi shart emas
⚪️⚪️⚪️⚪️
❗️Насилие — не норма. Интервью с директором Центра «Нихол» Ширин Рашидовой
В рамках кампании «16 дней активизма против насилия» Ширин Рашидова делится честными наблюдениями о страхах, барьерах и реальности, в которой живут женщины: от бытового и цифрового насилия до уязвимости мигранток и рисков торговли людьми. Главный вывод прост — помощь начинается не с формальных процедур, а с уважения, доверия и человеческого участия.
⏺Рашидова подчёркивает: устаревшие социальные нормы, медиа-стереотипы, экономическая зависимость и страх осуждения всё ещё лишают женщин безопасности. Но насилие не является «частным делом». Это общественная проблема, требующая системной реакции: профессиональной поддержки, работающей инфраструктуры, обучения специалистов и контента, который формирует культуру уважения и равноправия.
Эта публикация финасирована Европейским Союзом. Ее содержание является исключительной ответственностью Центра развития современной журналистики и не обязательно отражает точку зрения Европейского Союза
04/12/2025
As part of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign, together with our partners in Uzbekistan, we have prepared a practical guide for journalists on how to report on violence accurately, ethically, and responsibly. The material is available in Russian and Uzbek, allowing media professionals to use the version most convenient for them.
This initiative is developed within the AFEW International project “Empowering Voices for Inclusive Development: Strengthening Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in Uzbekistan, focusing on women and youth,” financially supported by the European Union.
As part of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign, together with our partners in Uzbekistan, we have prepared a practical guide for journalists on how to report […]
02/12/2025
16 Days Against Violence: why Uzbekistan's law is ahead of practice — and behind digital reality?
В то время как мировая кампания «16 дней» в 2025 году впервые смещает фокус в цифровое пространство, Узбекистан демонстрирует...
01/12/2025
On 1 December 2025, AFEW International joins the global community in commemorating World AIDS Day, this year under the theme: “Overcoming disruption, transforming the AIDS response”.
On 1 December 2025, AFEW International joins the global community in commemorating World AIDS Day, this year under the theme: “Overcoming disruption, transforming the AIDS response”. The HIV response stands […]
20/11/2025
5 Days to of activism: say to online abuse
The countdown is on! From 25 Nov – 10 Dec, the world rallies against gender-based violence – online and offline.
For millions of women and girls, the digital world is unsafe. Harassment, stolen photos, deepfakes, threats – what starts online can become real-world harm.
Women and girls around the world are exposed to online violence and digital abuse every day. AI is powering new and more sophisticated forms of digital violence. The crisis of gender-based violence is urgent. There is for online abuse against women and girls. The 16 Days of Activism is an....
17/11/2025
🌍 European Testing Week 2025 starts today! 🩺
From November 17–24, communities across Europe are coming together for European Testing Week, a biannual campaign encouraging organisations in healthcare, policy, and community sectors to boost testing efforts and raise awareness about the benefits of early HIV and hepatitis testing.
Since its launch in 2013, this initiative has grown into a major European event, with hundreds of organisations volunteering their time to organise activities and campaigns that highlight the importance of testing and care.
This year, the Autumn 2025 theme focuses on increasing testing and linkage to care among migrants and mobile populations. It’s a chance to address barriers that prevent access to essential services and respond to the rise in HIV diagnoses among migrant communities over the past decade.
💡 Let’s unite to raise awareness, promote testing, and support healthier communities across Europe! Learn more -https://www.testingweek.eu/media/jkyo121h/etw-theme-statement-2025_final.pdf
13/11/2025
Уважаемые коллеги!
UNODC приглашает принять участие в опросе «Голоса молодёжи о ВИЧ и СПИД в Узбекистане». Коллеги, ваше мнение поможет лучше понять потребности и взгляды молодёжи в вопросах ВИЧ и СПИД, а также способствовать разработке эффективных и основанных на данных программ и мер реагирования.
Просим вас поделиться опросом среди ваших местных партнёров и молодёжных сетей в Узбекистане, чтобы обеспечить широкое участие и разнообразное представительство.
Ваша поддержка поможет усилить голос молодёжи и внести ценный вклад в борьбу с ВИЧ и СПИД в регионе.
SAVE THE DATE!
📌14 November 2025.
📍Location: Paris (with online participation available). Migration, Health, and Equity: Turning Evidence into Action.
Across Europe, HIV prevalence among some migrant communities remains 2–4 times higher than in host populations, while up to 60% of refugees face significant barriers to healthcare access.
On 14 November 2025 in Paris, an international colloquium will bring together researchers, policymakers, and civil society representatives from France, Ukraine, Estonia, Lithuania, Tajikistan, Germany, and Finland to discuss how to strengthen health equity across the WHO European Region.
🗓 Program highlights:
• HIV, tuberculosis, and hepatitis care among migrants and refugees
• Social determinants of health and community resilience
• Mental health and psychosocial support for displaced populations
• Transnational and digital support infrastructures
🎤 Keynote speakers:
• Nicolas Vignier – Université Sorbonne Paris Nord / Hôpital Avicenne (France)
• Viatcheslav Grankov – World Health Organization (Copenhagen, Denmark)
The colloquium will also highlight the agency of Ukrainian and other Eastern European communities in improving healthcare access and mobilizing community-led responses.
The ERIM (Equal Rights & Independent Media), a French organization, is calling for applications from LGBTQIA+ organizations based in Ukraine, Moldova and Armenia seeking long-term capacity building support tailored to their needs.
The grant call focuses on helping organizations evaluate their internal structures, governance systems, programs, and partnerships to enhance their long-term sustainability and impact.
Deadline Date: October 27, 2025
Would you like to learn more? Read it here -
ERIM (Equal Rights & Independent Media), французька організація, оголошує прийом заявок від організацій LGBTQIA+, що базуються у Вірменії, Молдові або Україні та шукають довгострокову п...
29/09/2025
🌍 Call for Best Practice Models of Care in Migrant Health!
The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control - ECDC is commissioning the collection of innovative models of care that improve testing, linkage to care, and retention in care for migrants in affected by , viral , ( ), and ( ). The purpose of this work is to support Member States in reducing the burden of undiagnosed and untreated HIV, viral hepatitis, tuberculosis, and STIs among migrant communities.
👉 Do you or your organization have an effective approach, project, or intervention that others could learn from?
👉 Have you developed a model that addresses barriers, engages communities, or strengthens continuity of care?
Your contributions will help highlight practical solutions and support knowledge-sharing across Europe to improve health outcomes and equity for migrant communities.
📩 Submit your best practice model for consideration and be part of building a stronger network of care through the submission link below!
Wees de eerste die het weet en laat ons u een e-mail sturen wanneer AFEW International nieuws en promoties plaatst. Uw e-mailadres wordt niet voor andere doeleinden gebruikt en u kunt zich op elk gewenst moment afmelden.
AFEW’s work in public health contributes to a healthy society with healthy individuals and specifically healthy key populations at risk for HIV, tuberculosis, viral hepatitis and other public health concerns in Eastern Europe and Central Asia (EECA.) A healthy society contributes to a strong and stable EECA and results in the region with economic growth, political stability, a higher quality of life and the right to health for everyone. By providing support and empowering the societies in EECA, we contribute to better chances for all, and we support the future of the region.
AFEW has the knowledge, expertise, network and experience because of working from within the region for more than 15 years. We increase access to prevention, treatment and care for the most vulnerable groups of the society. We are relevant, innovative, reliable, trustworthy and hardworking. We show this through our work, in the collaboration with international, national and local partners, and via our communication channels. We are the organization that makes a difference and delivers a good quality of work. We mobilize communities, assist them to become stronger and more active. We bring the best international practices and innovations to EECA in a practical applicable way.
AFEW International is having a unique position as a regional organisation in public health. We recognize diversity, strengthen regional solidarity, share our knowledge and mobilize communities to fulfil their rights.
House Rules for Facebook of AFEW International
AFEW International gives you an opportunity to respond to our posts. We appreciate your opinion, but there are some rules. The administrators pay attention to respectful communication and the safety of the visitors. The Dutch law applies. Comments that do not comply with the guidelines, listed below, may be deleted by the administrators without giving the reasons. In extreme cases, people can also be banned from AFEW International’s page.
1. No discrimination. Discrimination because of religion, belief, political orientation, race, gender, orientation or whatever other reason is not allowed.
2. No violence and threats. Threatening or invoking violence is not permitted, also when it is meant as a joke. The cases when threats are expressed against a person or a group of people, will be reported.
3. No cursing and/or offence. One has to deal with others and others’ opinions. Therefore, we ask you not to curse, offend and/or defame.
4. Respect the third party’s copyright.
5. No spam or commercial messages. Besides, placing (or linking to) pornographic and/or offensive material is not allowed.
6. We see the denial of HIV/AIDS in its broad sense as an insult to people living with HIV and other people who are dealing with HIV and see the excessive reporting about this on AFEW’s page as spam.
We will try to deal with your comments as carefully as we can. Sometimes it can go wrong though. If you believe that your comment has been removed in error or that a response is wrong, please notify AFEW with a direct message to the page.
The comments of the visitors on this page represent the views and opinions of those visitors. The content of these responses is the responsibility of those who submit them. The third party responses do not imply that AFEW International shares or supports these responses. It is not possible for the administrators of this page to accept the truthfulness of the third party responses.
AFEW International can adjust these guidelines. Therefore, we advise you to read them from time to time.
