FHI 360 began working in Ukraine in 2012, providing technical assistance to local organizations and key stakeholders combatting the HIV and AIDS epidemic and fostering economic resilience. Through Open World, an FHI 360-led international exchange initiative, emerging leaders from the country forged relationships and developed skills alongside American colleagues.
FHI 360 has also launched new initiatives in Ukraine to address the growing risks of human trafficking and gender-based violence and to provide case management support for survivors. We are providing group therapy for women in several collective shelters in western Ukraine, which are housing more than 70,000 displaced persons seeking refuge from the violence of war. Team members are distributing dignity kits equipped with hygiene supplies, flashlights and whistles, and they are disseminating educational materials to raise awareness of risks of sexual exploitation, abuse and trafficking.