AHF: US Ambassador to Estonia Applauds Linda Clinic for Fight Against HIV

Today, the recently appointed US Ambassador to Estonia, H.E. Mr.
James Melville Jr., visited the AHF-supported Linda Clinic in Narva,
Estonia, where he met with the Linda HIV Foundation co-founders and
spoke to staff and clients of the facility.

NARVA, Estonia–(BUSINESS WIRE)–#AHF–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

Contacts

AHF Estonia
Bradley Hurst, +372-668-8124, Public Affairs
Officer
or
Nina Schat, +31 6 29622437, Advocacy and Marketing
manager