The team of Health Advocacy Coalition is passionately committed to transforming health systems across Eastern Europe and Central Asia. As an independent platform, we offer a comprehensive suite of services including policy analysis, training, and technical assistance, all designed to empower social activists and promote a more balanced, inclusive approach to healthcare.
Why and how
did the platform emerge?
Our mission goes beyond mere advocacy. We strive to implement substantial and cohesive changes that ensure everyone — regardless of their background — has access to quality health services. By collaborating with local communities and leveraging our expertise, HAC acts as a catalyst for sustainable health improvements, making a real difference in the lives of millions
What is our goal?
We set ourselves the goal of empowering and upholding the efforts of civil society organisations (CSOs) and activists from the communities directly impacted by the EECA region’s journey toward universal health coverage (UHC). The HAC team is dedicated to fostering a world where every voice is heard, and every action contributes significantly to advancing health equity.
To whom we serve?
Facing numerous challenges and operating within a highly unpredictable political landscape, EECA stands out as a region experiencing rapid escalation in public health crises, accompanied by notably low treatment access rates. By transforming healthcare systems across approximately 20 countries, we prioritise improving access and health outcomes primarily for key populations and marginalised individuals, ensuring that the entire health system becomes more inclusive and effective.
In what do we believe?
Good health and high-quality medical care are the keys to the prosperity of society, the development of the economy and the elimination of social inequalities
The only way to make people’s lives healthier is to transform national health systems into ones that provide inclusive, barrier-free and non-discriminatory access for truly everyone
Such transformations are not possible without the synergistic and coordinated efforts of all stakeholders to ensure that all people (especially marginalised communities experiencing inequality) receive life-saving prevention, diagnosis and treatment measures
Our commitment extends to advocating for sustainable practices and innovative solutions in healthcare that meet today’s needs without compromising future generations
Health challenges know no borders. We support and promote global health initiatives that aim to provide aid and resources to under-served regions, reinforcing our belief in a universally accessible health care system
Who founded the platform?
The organisation was established by Sergii Dmytriiev (former Policy and Advocacy Director of CO ‘100% LIFE’ known also as ‘All-Ukrainian Network of PLWH’ with more than 15 years of experience in this sphere), together with Denis Godlevsky (regional coordinator of EECA region in ITPC – the world’s largest community and expert platform for access to treatment).
Being a representative of PLWHIV community, Sergii Dmytriiev leads the organisation on the position of Executive Director. To ensure wider representation of communities and their interests within the organisation HAC’s Advisory-Supervisory Board also comprises of community representatives: Aleksandra Volgina (GNP+), Anton Basenko (INPUD), as well as Daniel Kashnitsky (Regional Expert Group on Migration and Health) and Yuri Yoursky (ILGA World). Together, they created a foundation that has become a beacon of hope and expertise.
HAC as a platform has successfully gathered an esteemed network of experts who are profoundly experienced in working with key communities affected by HIV, TB, and HCV. Their extensive expertise ensures comprehensive coverage of all critical areas needed to empower these communities, driving them towards achieving UHC. In fact, that’s why we are more than a platform; we are a movement, united in our commitment to elevate and support those in need, ensuring no voice goes unheard in the fight for health equity
How do we work?
Empowering communities of both key and vulnerable populations for increasing their influence in decision-making processes
Stimulating interaction and experience exchange between the private sector, civil society, international and government organisations
Caring about mobile populations such as internally displaced people, refugees and migrants in conflict and emergency settings
Enhancing the community-led monitoring and feedback mechanisms for social accountability and to improve the services effectiveness
Providing quality and timely data to the publicity and policymakers on the progress and challenges in achieving UHC
What are the achievements in the first 2 years of operation?
HAC received support and funding from a number of the largest donors in this sphere such as The Global Fund, UNAIDS (CDC), The Robert Carr Fund. In addition to this, the Global Fund signed a contract to provide technical support to CSOs in the EECA region to expand and strengthen the use of CLM practices
Almost 20 countries of the EECA and Balkan regions are covered by UHC coordination and information activities through cooperation with 30+ organisations
Developed a unified regional position of CSOs in the EECA region at UN high level meeting on UHC. Advocated this position for inclusion in the UHC policy statement
Trained more than 30 CSOs to implement CLM
Support CSOs in 4 countries of the EECA region in the establishment, sustainability and institutionalisation of CLM mechanisms, including the enhancement of specialised multidisciplinary working groups
AIDS 2024, the 25th International AIDS Conference, Munich