In the framework of the UN Care strategy, a series of training workshops were conducted to prepare HIV Peer Educators and establish a support network among selected staff of each UN agency in Uzbekistan. The key purpose of the network is to ensure easily accessible, confidential support to UN employees and their family members on issues related to HIV/AIDS prevention. Peer Educators will be available to provide support and counseling internally for their colleagues. They will provide accurate information on the transmission and prevention of HIV/STIs and the availability and quality of HIV/STI-related services.
On 17 December 17 2009, the staff of UNODC Regional Office for Central Asia, Mr. Kamran Niaz, Regional Adviser on Epidemiology and Drug Treatment, Mr. Akmal Rustamov National HIV/AIDS Project Officer and Ms. Sevara Karimova Reseach Assistant were awarded certificates and officially became member of the UN Peer Educators and Support Network in Uzbekistan, which consists of about 20 people.
UN Cares - the UN system-wide workplace programme on HIV - was launched in May 2008. It is designed to reduce the impact of HIV on the UN workplace by providing a number of service including education and voluntary counseling and testing. UN Cares promotes a workplace free from stigma and discrimination based on HIV status.