Positive Women’s Regional Coordinator in Odessa, Oksana Pchelnikova, on effects of COVID-19

Civil society organization, Positive Women’s Regional Coordinator Oksana Pchelnikova points out the problems facing women living with HIV during the COVID-19 pandemic. Few women have access to the HIV/AIDS centers to receive the antiretroviral therapy (ART), they need. As they stay home and take care of children, their economic circumstances worsen and face more violence. She emphasizes that their mental health is vulnerable, which may even lead to showing suicidal tendencies, as some of them do not have the technological devices to stay connected with their peer groups for emotional support.