Training in the Russian Federation on rapid assessment and response to HIV/AIDS among injecting drug users

HIV is spreading quickly in several parts of the Russian Federation (RF), particularly among injecting drug users (IDUs). Prevention programs have been established in several Russian cities to address these epidemics. Many more cities and regions need to respond quickly to the threat or occurrence of HIV spreading among IDUs. This paper describes the HIV situation and current response to HIV among IDUs in the RF, as well as describing the design, implementation and processes of the first year of a training program to assist health professionals and others to respond to the developing crisis. The discussion section of the paper centers on four broad themes that have emerged while implementing the training program and the methods the authors have developed in the training program to take account of these issues: the Russian Federation as "different" from other countries; local ways of making and using drugs; logistics in the Russian environment; and secrecy and competition. If concludes that this training program may be considered by of her countries in Central and Eastern Europe and elsewhere as an effective way to respond to HIV epidemics among IDUs.