Press Conference in the Georgian Capital Tbilisi

The Vienna Express made its first appearance in Georgia on June 23 with a press conference in the country’s capital, which was extremely well-attended by media, political and governmental representatives. Among those who were keen to learn more about the campaign’s aims and leave their message for the Vienna conference delegates were:

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Informational Media Tour in Telavi, Georgia

This event will start on 26 June at a meeting with mass media representatives. There are two parts:

1. Journalists of the regional media will visit HIV/AIDS and Drug addiction Institutions in Telavi to meet managers of the institutions in order to receive information on their current activities and future plans.
2. A media lunch. The information recieved during the previous event will be analysed at the lunch  and future collaboration and cooperation between media representatives and HIV/drug addiction specialists will be planned.

Background:

Kakheti Region, which is home to 400, 000 people, is one of the poorest areas of the country. Because of the socio-economic conditions, malnourishmen and inadequate living conditions are becoming more common in the Kakheti region. Drink and drug use are an escape route for many people who are struggling to come to terms with reality. The wide availability of drugs, combined with the increasing demand and the lack of educational interventions, is likely to mean that IDU (injecting drug use) trends will continue in an upward direction for the foreseeable future. According to official statistics, HIV prevalence in this region is still relatively low. However, many doubt the accuracy of this data, since  it is clear that a very limited section of the local population apply for HIV testing. The lack of information about the existence of testing and treatment services is the major reason behind this low level of testing.

Worldwide, the mass media plays an important role in the dissemination of information about drug and alcohol addiction and HIV/AIDS. People in Georgia often receive inaccurate information about substance abuse and HIV/AIDS through the media because reporters lack basic knowledge about these diseases and have limited access to reputable sources and evidence-based resources. This inaccurate information fosters stigma and does little to stem the spread of addiction/HIV.

Programme:

26 June

1. 13:00 – Meeting in the Resource-Centre for Substance Abuse and HIV/AIDS
2. 13:15 – Visit to the HIV/AIDS Laboratory
3. 14:00 – Visit to the AIDS Hotline Centre
4. 14:30 – Visit to the Addiction Dispensary
5. 15:20 – Visit to a methadone programme
6. 16:00 – Visit to a needle exchange centre
7. 16:40 – Media Lunch
8. 19:00 – Dance Tour
9. 20:00 – Concert

The Vienna Express visits Tbilisi and the Kakheti region of Georgia with a two-day informational dance tour, which will provide a vehicle for the dissemination of information regarding HIV/AIDS and psychoactive substances.

Georgia is categorised as an HIV low prevalence country, however the number of newly registered HIV cases has been on the rise for over a decade now. Georgia’s emerging HIV epidemic is mostly concentrated among injecting drug users. Cases are concentrated in Tbilisi, the capital city. Despite its low HIV prevalence, Georgia is considered to be at high risk for an expanding epidemic due to widespread injecting drug use and population movement between neighbouring high-prevalence countries.

The threat is aggravated by a number of risk factors including insufficient knowledge of HIV prevention and lack of relevant skills among health providers, traditionally low demand for condoms and low public awareness of HIV/AIDS (NCDC&PH, 2008). The issue of drug addiction disproportionately affects the younger generation, since a significant portion of drug users are very young.

Taking into consideration all the factors described above, it is of utmost importance that awareness raising activities are implemented among the populations of Tbilisi and Kakheti region with a special emphasis on youth. By dedicating this dance tour to the International Day to Fight against Drugs and Drug Trafficking, organisers hope to grab young people’s attention and promote their involvement in the response to HIV.

The event will be launched on 25 June in the Georgian capital of Tbilisi and finish in Telavi, regional centre of the Kakheti region. Prior to launching the event, a press conference for a wide range of media representatives will be held, during which the exact schedule will be published. All key stakeholders and policy makers will also receive invitations.

PROGRAMME

21 June: Press conference

25 June: Informational dance tour through Tbilisi (12:00-19:00)

A  truck equipped with banners and musical equipment and manned by dancers and peer educators will start its journey through Tbilisi. From 12:00 till 19:00, the truck will make stops in 6 central locations of the city. During these 30 minute stops, the dance group will put on a show and peer educators will engage passers-by with quizzes about drug use, HIV and AIDS. All participants will receive souvenirs and informational leaflets.

26 June: Informational dance tour through Kakheti Region; (14:00-20:00)

Final concert in Telavi city (20:00)

The tour will stop at three locations in the region:  Sagarejo – Gurjaani – Telavi, culminating with a concert in Telavi’s central square.  During this concert, the audience will see a slidehow with prevention and education messages.