Background Ukraine’s HIV prevalence is estimated at 1.6% of adult population. HIV epidemic in Zaporizhzhia is not extensive but tends to grow. The lack of knowledge about underage RG size is essential barrier for programme planning and service provision.

Methodology Team conducted multi-component research aimed at finding locations, size, typology and behaviour of risk groups aged 14–25. (i.e., FSWs, IDUs and street based children (SBC)). The research included geographic mapping of RG’s locations, qualitative and quantitative surveys and mapping of existing services. Geographic mapping was based on interviews of primary (N = 225) and secondary (N = 1240) key informants and showed more than thousand RGs locations. 125 representatives of each RG were interviewed during quantitative survey and 45 MARAs had in-depth interviews.

Results Data shows that spots are very mobile which requires recurrent mapping. Street-based spots are popular locations for SBCs and FSWs. As a local peculiarity, mobile spots for IDUs were revealed, which means that drugs can be delivered by order. The preliminary data of size estimation in Zaporizhzhia shows that average number of FSW, IDUs and SBC is 2023, 2892 and 1388 relatively, what could be useful for planning and developing services. Obtained data shows high level of risk practises among MARAs (the percentage of condom use among FSWs with regular client is 65%, with occasional clients - 76%; the percentage of IDUs who have used only sterile syringes is 78%). Range of HIV and Reproductive Health programmes revealed different types of services for MARAs with a poor access due to subjective reasons and geographical location of establishments.

Conclusions Research revealed the lack of HIV-prevention services for MARAs. For higher efficiency the developed HIV-prevention model should be very flexible. Service delivering process should be strongly supported by local government; the activity coordination and referral system should be thoroughly organised.