At the rise of the HIV epidemic in the early 2000s, Lithuania faced high levels of stigma, low awareness, and limited prevention efforts—including restricted access to HIV testing. AHF’s support to Demetra has been instrumental in expanding HIV services, starting with the launch of anonymous testing in 2009.

Providing rapid, anonymous, and free HIV testing to hard-to-reach populations—including people who inject drugs, members of the LGBTQ+ community, sex workers and their partners—as well as to the general population, was standard practice internationally, but a novel approach in Lithuania at the time. The testing service became a critical part of the prevention strategy and included free condom and lubricant distribution, linkage to healthcare, psychological support, and peer-to-peer consultations.

Since then, services have evolved significantly and the number of clients has grown. The success of this work continues to be guided by the following principles:

1. Building trust with target populations
2. Coordinated planning and implementation
3. Evidence-based monitoring and evaluation
4. Focus on sustainability
5. Commitment to ethical standards

With AHF’s support, Demetra continues to provide outreach HIV testing, free condoms, and linkage to healthcare and psychosocial support for those living with HIV.