On Wednesday, September 26th, the BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS Forefront Lecture Series will be presenting a lecture by Anya Sarang titled “Russia: HIV, Drug Policy and Human Rights”.
Anya Sarang is a public health activist from Moscow, Russia. She is a founder of the Andrey Rylkov Foundation for Health and Social Justice – the main advocacy group fighting for the rights and health of people who use drugs. For the past 15 years, Anya’s work has focused on developing and supporting the emerging harm reduction movement in Russia and Eastern Europe / Central Asia through training and networking activities. Anya has received a MSc in Drugs and Drug Policy from the University of London and her research interests focus on the qualitative research in human rights, structural violence and access to HIV prevention and treatment for drug users in Russia. Anya has been recognized as one of the most courageous and effective advocates for human rights and evidence-based public health in the field of drug policy in the world. In 2004 she was awarded the International Rolleston Award for her outstanding contribution to Harm Reduction and in 2011, Anya and the Andrey Rylkov Foundation were awarded a Crystal of Hope Award for their courageous efforts to advocate for humane and effective HIV services, despite government opposition.
The talk will take place at 12pm in the New Lecture Theatre (SPH 1477) at St. Paul’s Hospital.
A light lunch and refreshments will be served.