Regional Workshop on Advancing Implementation Science on HIV and Viral Hepatitis in Eastern Europe and Central Asia. Report (10–11 February 2020, Berlin, Germany)

This report summarizes the key presentations and discussion points raised at the Regional Workshop on Advancing Implementation Science on HIV and Viral Hepatitis in Eastern Europe and Central Asia, organized by WHO Regional Office for Europe in collaboration with the Robert Koch Institute on 10–11 February 2020 in Berlin, Germany. The workshop was intended to provide support to the countries in eastern Europe and central Asia (EECA) in conducting and using implementation science and programme data to guide the design and implementation of their national strategies on HIV and viral hepatitis.

It also aimed at fostering collaboration between academics, scientists, funders and partners to conduct and support implementation science in EECA.

Examples of country HIV, viral hepatitis and integrated TB/HIV/viral hepatitis implementation research studies were shared with demonstration on how research findings have been used for decision-making and programme improvement.

The workshop contributed to raising interest in using implementation research to improve the efficiency of national HIV and viral hepatitis programmes. It resulted in the development of key priorities for implementation research on HIV and viral hepatitis in participating countries.The workshop also resulted in identification of opportunities for strengthening collaboration between researchers in the region, and for funding implementation research.