Public health without public trust? Governance of HIV/AIDS prevention in North-West Russia

The project examines the extent to which HIV/AIDS prevention in North West Russia is perceived and treated as a public health issue, requiring a broad, multi-sectoral response. Using multi-level analysis, the project studies processes and perspectives amo ng four types of actors: i) authorities (at federal, district and local levels), ii) professional groups, iii) risk groups, and iv) the general public. It also emphasises processes taking place in the intersections between these actors. The project builds on - and has ambitions to contribute to - theories on trust/social capital, governance, health models, and professionalisation of health and social work. In addition to analysis at the national level, six case studies (located in three federal districts in North-West Russia) will be undertaken. In each case study different types of qualitative interviews will be carried out with policy-makers, professional groups (doctors, nurses and social workers), as well as HIV positive people. Provided additional fu nding is obtained, we will also conduct two quantiative surveys (among the general population and among risk groups) in order to obtain bottom-up perspectives on HIV/AIDS prevention. The academic output will consist in academic articles and conference pap ers. The project also pays much attention to the dissemination of results of the project findings. There is already a regional network of actors (policy-makers and professionals) working on HIV/AIDS under the Barents Health Programme, which will be primar y users of the project findings.