December 18, 2024, Tashkent, Uzbekistan—A three-day national training, held from December 16 to 18, brought together 22 law enforcement officers from the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA) and representatives of the Academy of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. The training aimed to strengthen law enforcement’s understanding of public health challenges related to HIV and to foster collaborative efforts with civil society organizations (CSOs) to address these issues effectively.
Organized in response to the growing regional challenges of rising HIV infections, gaps in prevention and treatment, and stigma against key populations, the training aimed to equip law enforcement officers with a deeper understanding of the regional HIV epidemic. It focused on the complexities of prevention and treatment, the harmful effects of stigma and discrimination on key populations, and fostering collaboration with civil society organizations to address public health challenges.
Participants discussed strategies to enhance HIV prevention and treatment efforts, including conducting extension trainings, expanding the coverage of law enforcement officers through training programs delivered online or in person, jointly with NGOs, implementing police diversion schemes, and integrating these approaches into the Police Academy curriculum.
"Law enforcement plays a critical role in creating an enabling environment for effective HIV prevention and treatment," stated Farkhod Narzullaev, the Head of the Department for Combating Crimes against Morality and Health of the Department for Combating Organized Crime. "By fostering partnerships and promoting understanding, we can create an enabling environment for achieving public health goals and improving collaboration between key stakeholders."
The training also provided a platform for participants to identify next steps for integrating the strategies discussed into their daily operations and institutional practices. One highlight of the discussions was the potential to incorporate HIV-related topics into police training programs, ensuring that future generations of law enforcement officers are better equipped to address these challenges.
This initiative is part of broader efforts to address the HIV epidemic in Uzbekistan and underscores the importance of collaboration between law enforcement and civil society. It reflects the commitment of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and its partners to build safer, healthier communities.
