NARVA, Estonia--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The community-based Linda Clinic in Narva was officially opened in November 2015. The Linda Clinic provides free HIV prevention, testing, treatment and care in an ongoing effort to curb the HIV epidemic in Narva.
The clinic is centrally located in the town of Narva in North-East Estonia, on the border of the European Union. Narva has one of the highest rates of HIV infections in the EU, estimated to be as high as 3%. The clinic fulfills a great need for early detection of HIV infection, linkage to care, expert treatment and support.
“The fight against the HIV epidemic is one that requires commitment and collaboration from all parts of society,” said Ambassador Melville. “I applaud the Linda Clinic’s dedication to supporting this community.”
“It is a privilege to have the support of the US Embassy in Estonia,” said Anna Zakowicz, head of the Management Board of the Linda HIV Foundation. “The Northeastern region of the country faces continuous public health challenges and the Linda Clinic takes a collaborative approach towards tackling those, with inclusion of the patient community – our clients - and the national health authorities.”
“Innovation in the provision of healthcare is very much needed and involving patients is a central element to ensuring they receive the treatment, care and support they need,” commented Zoya Shabarova, Europe Bureau Chief of AHF, one of the two founders of the Linda Clinic. “The doors of the Linda Clinic are open to anyone affected by HIV in Estonia. Peer support and psychosocial services are an integral part of its user-driven approach.”
Clients of the Linda Clinic were keen to voice their opinion regarding the quality of care and said “The Linda Clinic is the place where I feel safe and my needs are taken care of – here we are all accepted.”
About AHF
AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) is the largest non-profit HIV/AIDS healthcare provider in the USA. AHF currently provides medical care and/or services to over 611,000 individuals in 36 countries worldwide in the US, Africa, Latin America/Caribbean, Europe, and Asia. For more information, visit www.aidshealth.org, find us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/aidshealth and follow us on Twitter: @AIDSHealthcare
