TARGETED INTERVENTION FOR MEN HAVING SEX WITH MEN

Project Period: On Going

About the Project: The overarching goal of this initiative is to map High-Risk Groups (HRGs) to design and implement appropriate and effective interventions in place. 

Activities of the Project: 

 Behaviour Change Communication: 

Creating awareness about risk and vulnerability, prevention methods, availability and location of services, increases safe behaviour and demand for services as well as helps to reduce stigma. Identifying the Key populations through one-to-one and one-to-group sessions is important for behaviour change. Out outreach workers use programme-related Information, Education and Communication (IEC) materials such as brochures, booklets, pamphlets and community cards to mobilise key populations on practising safe sex, Prevention and Care and Support related services, referral services, Sexual Transmitted Infections (STIs) and Tuberculosis.  

• Condom Promotion: 

Under this programme the promotion of condoms is one of the important components to promote safe sex practice and prevention of HIV. We are providing condoms through different channels including social marketing. Our community workers and peer educators explain the process of condom usage by demonstration. We review the condom demand and develop distribution channels for the community quarterly.  

• Management of STI/RTI: 

Sexually transmitted Infections are one of the reasons for transmission of HIV. At our centre, we organise medical camps to provide treatment, counselling and referral services related to STIs for our community/clients

• Referrals & linkages: 

According to the treatment protocol and mandate of the HIV prevention programme, we refer all our cases to government health centres for testing and facilitating treatment. We also do follow up with our clients for further treatment and counselling. 

Enabling Environment: 

 We conduct advocacy meetings with different stakeholders and like-minded organisations, individuals, legal volunteers, auto drivers and allied populations to develop rapport and create an enabling environment for the community. 

Project Reach Out: 

• Initially, the project started with 1000 MSMs and now it reached 1619 MSMs who are registered with the INFOCEM Targeted Intervention project.