Russian Technical Assistance Program Expands Access to Infectious Disease Prevention in 2025

In 2025, the Infosvyaz Foundation, in cooperation with the Central Research Institute of Epidemiology of Rospotrebnadzor, continued the implementation of the Russian Technical Assistance Program aimed at strengthening the prevention, control, and surveillance of HIV, viral hepatitis, and other infectious diseases in Eastern Europe, the South Caucasus, and Central Asia.

The Program is implemented in partnership with national health and sanitary authorities in Armenia, the Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan.

Throughout the year, 22 mobile medical and preventive units operated across the four countries, including 16 units based on KAMAZ vehicles and 6 units based on GAZON vehicles. The Program supported mobile medical teams by covering operational costs, including personnel, fuel, medicines, medical supplies, and Russian-produced rapid diagnostic tests for HIV, hepatitis B and C, and syphilis. The mobile units were also equipped with preventive information materials.

Program Implementation Groups were established in each country to coordinate activities in close cooperation with national authorities and healthcare experts. These groups planned outreach visits, coordinated with regional healthcare facilities, and monitored the effectiveness of mobile clinic operations.

Ensuring the technical and logistical readiness of the mobile units remained a key priority. This included regular vehicle maintenance, replenishment of medical supplies, and routine inspection of diagnostic equipment.

In total, 197,854 people accessed medical consultations, rapid testing, and referral services through the mobile clinics in 2025. In addition, more than 2,000 adults in the Kyrgyz Republic were vaccinated against hepatitis B using a mobile vaccination vehicle.

The Program contributes to improving access to essential preventive services, strengthening early detection of infectious diseases, and enhancing the resilience of national healthcare systems in participating countries.