June 21, 2013 – Representatives of the Truck Driver Association, the Union of Truck Drivers, the Truck Driver Training and Counseling Center, UNFPA, and ILO in Ukraine gathered today for the roundtable to jointly discuss UNFPA project for truck drivers, identify areas for collaboration and level of involvement among all stakeholders, discuss annual work plan for 2013 and other related activities.

Specific attention during the round table was given to introduction of special training course on HIV prevention for truck drivers in the Truck Driver Training and Counseling Center. During the event, a training manual “Driving for Change” – toolkit on HIV/AIDS for the road transport sector – was presented. The manual is aimed to be adapted for Ukraine and then introduced into relevant training institutions/workplaces.

Truck drivers represent an overwhelming number of people who spend long times away from home and their families and thus are at an increased risk of causal multiple sexual contacts with SWs. Results of the behavioral study conducted by UNFPA last year show an extremely low level of knowledge about HIV and very high risky behavior among truck drivers.

Therefore, there is a need for urgent actions with regard to educating truck drivers and equipping them with necessary skills to protect themselves against HIV.