US-Russia Volunteer Initiative (USRVI)

Stories from the Field

Anna Vinogradova
Family Health International (FHI), Arlington VA

Anna Vinogradova at Family Health
International (FHI)

Anna Vinogradova is a dentist from St. Petersburg, Russia. While a USRVI volunteer, she contributed greatly to the work of FHI by working on research projects, and focusing on behavioral monitoring surveys for groups at risk of contracting HIV. She also had an opportunity to learn about design and evaluation of HIV/AIDS programs, surveillance, and fundraising techniques. By assisting FHI in its management of projects in Russia, she was able to share her expertise in the country’s health care system, while gaining a valuable new perspective on the Russian AIDS epidemic.

Now that Anna has returned to St. Petersburg, she has teamed with fellow USRVI alumna Tatiana Tangisheva to strengthen the community of people caring for People Living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) and their families. Utilizing a follow-on grant available to program alumni, the two specialists initiated programs to develop a community of caregivers and improve the resources and support for those who suffer from HIV/AIDS. They conducted trainings for specialists involved in the care, support and treatment of PLWHA in St. Petersburg, teaching them how to reduce job stress and avoid burn out. They also launched a support group for those specialists, providing an opportunity for professional and emotional support.

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