Public Statement on Withdrawing from the National HIV Program Grant

Dear Partners and Community Members,

As a leading organization in the field of defending the rights of trans individuals and sex workers, Right Side NGO has always prioritized a responsible and realistic approach, initiating programs that align fully with the needs of our communities.

This year, we applied for the grant announced by the National Center for Infectious Diseases under the Global Fund, titled "Implementation of HIV Prevention Measures Among High-Risk Populations During 2025-2027." We submitted proposals for two programs: one targeting FSW (female sex workers) and another for trans individuals (TG). The implementation of the TG program, as in previous years, relied on the integration model, where it was combined with FSW or other group-focused programs due to insufficient budget allocations for TG-specific programs. Unfortunately, with the rejection of the FSW program, implementing the TG program independently was neither resource-efficient nor practically feasible for us.

Basis for the Decision

1. Integration Approach as a Necessity
   In the past, TG programs have been implemented as part of MSM and FSW programs. This approach allowed for the pooling of resources and ensured comprehensive coverage of the health, social, and legal needs of trans individuals. Without the support of FSW or similar programs, the TG program’s standalone implementation under the current budgetary conditions posed significant risks to its quality and success.

2. Budgetary Constraints
   The TG program required the involvement of a multi-disciplinary team, including a program manager, community outreach workers, legal advisors, accountants, and technical staff. However, the proposed budget was insufficient to cover even the minimal requirements. Most team members would have had to work on a voluntary basis, without any compensation, while only the financial officer, program manager, and monitoring specialist would have received limited remuneration.

According to the grant's terms, the budget is determined by multiplying the unit cost of services by the number of beneficiaries. While the larger beneficiary numbers for groups like MSM (10,550, 11,350, 12,250 in 2025, 2026, and 2027 respectively) and FSW (5,805, 6,255, 6,795 for the same years) allow for salaries within those programs, the corresponding numbers for TG (230, 360, 540) result in an insufficient budget. This discrepancy leaves no choice but to consider combining the TI program with one of these larger groups to make it viable.

Under such conditions, the program’s implementation risked compromising both its quality and the trust we have built over years of dedicated work.

Right Side NGO’s Core Values

Right Side NGO has always prioritized the needs and interests of the community over external pressures. We firmly believe that the success of any program depends on the optimal use of resources without compromising the quality of services or the dignity of the professionals involved.

Following a thorough evaluation by our leadership and team, it was determined that the TG program, under the current budget constraints, could not achieve effective and sustainable outcomes without undermining its overall quality.

Over the years, Right Side has successfully implemented dozens of programs developed based on realism, effectiveness, and responsiveness to the actual needs of the community. Our efforts have included long-term health, social, and legal support initiatives that have had a lasting impact without ever compromising on quality or our core values.

The foundation of our success lies in defending the rights of the community, fostering effective collaboration with international and local partners, and maintaining a responsible and realistic approach to every program we undertake.

Moving Forward

This situation highlights the critical need for fair and proportional allocation of resources to ensure the professionalism and dignity of all involved. Right Side remains committed to advocating for the community and addressing these systemic issues in future funding opportunities.

We are grateful for your understanding, trust, and support. Our organization will continue to defend the rights and interests of our communities while working towards the development of realistic and sustainable program foundations.

Regards
"Rights Side" NGO