This program has ended

Aim

A reduction in HIV infections and HIV-related deaths among key populations (KPs) through improved access by key populations to HIV prevention, testing and treatment services.

Where

Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe

Why

These countries account for 81 percent of people living with HIV and more than 21 percent of new infections in sub-Saharan Africa. Amongst those infected, little recognition is given to the rights of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex (LGBTI+) communities and sex workers in most southern African countries. There is an urgent need to ensure they are included in the HIV response and can access services. The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) notes that new HIV infections will decline significantly when health services are provided free of stigma and discrimination.

How

KP REACH is an advocacy grant to enable four KP networks ‑ African Men for Sexual Health and Rights (AMSHeR), Africa Sex Workers Alliance (ASWA), Coalition of African Lesbians (CAL), Southern African Transgender Forum (SATF) ‑ to work together strategically and efficiently in removing the barriers to accessing HIV services by KPs in the region. Its methods include: improved data collection, use and management; learning, scaling up and replication of innovative best practices for more responsive national programming, and promoting policies that improve KP access to HIV prevention, testing and treatment. It develops and spreads messages co-created with KPs to shift attitudes and beliefs so stigma and discrimination will no longer prevent KPs from accessing services.

 

Results so far

The four networks can now effectively engage in collective advocacy and communication against interpersonal violence, stigma and discrimination. The launch of a KP media campaign in Southern Africawas a huge success, and it is the first campaign that covers a large geographical area in Africa. Fifty-nine human rights monitors (“REActors”) have been trained to document violations across the eight KP-REACH countries. Twenty key correspondents have been trained to write and publish stories that could help shift the attitude of the general population about the needs, norms, values and practices of key populations. They have produced and published 23 articles and 23 videos on various media platforms that are accessible at national, regional and global levels.

Period and budget

2016-2018, US$ 11.465

Partners and Donors

Global Fund for AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria (donor); implemented by Hivos Southern African Hub in partnership with the four networks (AMSHeR, ASWA, CAL and SATF), and three technical partners (M&C Saatchi, Positive Vibes and SAfAIDS).