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This document gathers together a series of reflections on the key and priority population (kp/pp) activities that were carried out in this FY, COP 21 by the organization with support from MUWRP (Makerere University Walter Reed Project).
The document is designed to help civil society organization (CSO), and MUWRP to implement and monitor programs for HIV prevention, diagnosis, care, treatment, and viral load testing with key populations (KPs)—sex workers (SWs) and other men who have sex with men (MSM), transgender people, and people who inject drugs (PWID) and Priority Populations (PPs) –Migrant workers (MW), Adolescent Girls and Young Women (AGYW), Military and Uniform Service (MUS) etc. KPs bear a disproportionate burden of HIV but have much lower access to HIV-related services and other services than members of the general population.
The program is implemented in five sub counties of Ntenjeru, Mpunge, Mpatta, Ntunda and Nagojje with the help of health workers, hotspots informants, peers, and CBO’s staff who dig to the roots of numerous hotspots (Bars, landing sites, safe spaces), to provide HIV prevention services to the Key populations, priority populations, and vulnerable populations.
Key populations, including sex workers, prisoners, and men who have sex with men (MSM), are disproportionately infected with and affected by HIV and AIDS. In 2014, HIV prevalence among sex workers globally was 12 times the prevalence of the mainstream population, they are at a prevalence rate of 35%. Sex workers and other key and priority populations contribute substantially to new HIV infections in Uganda. Modelling by the Uganda AIDS Commission estimated that sex workers, their clients, and partners of clients contributed 10% of new infections by 2008, while another study in Kampala and surrounding areas found that HIV prevalence among sex workers was as high as 37%. Prevalence in other key and priority populations has also been found to be higher than the national average: a 2015 study in Kampala estimated HIV prevalence at 5-40% among fisher folk, 13.8% among MSM, 21% among the injecting drug users (IDUs), 6.6% among truckers, and 18.2% among security forces. National prevalence was 7.3% during the same period.
During this COP 21, a peer led model (outreaches) was implemented to reach KP/PPs. 36 Peers were trained and attached to specific health facilities that provide friendly services to the targeted group like Kojja H/C iv, Mpunge H/C iii, Kabanga H/C iii, Nagojje H/C iii and Kyabazaala H/C iii. The minimum service package includes risk reduction counselling and HIV testing, STI screening and treatment, condom education and distribution, assessment for any form of gender violence and family planning, PrEP among other services.
Peer leaders and KP focal person helped in sensitization and mobilization of KPs and PPs at various Hotspots that increased the number of key and priority populations reached during outreaches. Sensitization and peer training were conducted to create understanding on the need for prevention interventions among KP/PPs. And Over 700 condom boxes were distributed at different hotspots. High expectation from the key and priority population, Unstable key populations (KPs) who tend to move from one place to another and the interference of the pandemic of Covid-19 are some of the challenges faced during the exercise. However, despite of the challenges, the exercise was successfully conducted throughout the year.
SIKYOMU DEVELOPMENT ORGANISATION FOR PEOPLE LIVING WITH HIV/AIDS
Started as a Community Based Organization that was established in 2006 by a group of five people who tested positive.
sikyomu promotes, protects and sustains rights of the disadvantaged/vulnerable people most especially people with HIV/AIDS, TB and also the elderly and Adolescent girls and young women(AGYW) by addressing the root causes of poverty, unjust social and economic structures. We also partner with digital internet service providers(ISPs) to support AGYW
sikyomu since its inception has served over 32,000 Adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) and 3000 households with social economic strengthening packages like the Empowerment and livelihood for Adolescents(ELA) Program which integrates education, social empowerment and economic empowerment in order to prepare girls for lives as strong, resilient and adoptable adults. Through ELA. Sikyomu offers AGYW a safe space near their homes to socialise with other girls as well as training in life skills and livelihoods and access to microfinance. in addition sikyomu rolls lout village saving and loans association(VSLA) and financial literacy program among AGYW, their partners and guardians/caretakers to improve household income.
The project also partners with sibuuka – a ugandan fintech company specialising in digital financial software for rural savings and 10 of our girls VSLA groups.
SIKYOMU is currently implementing the LPHS TB – URBAN Activity in Koome HCIII and its neighboring communities of Ddamba HCII and Kasambwe HCII in partnership with IDI( Infectious disease institute) funded by PEPFAR. The major objectives are
1) increase screening, detection and linkage to treatment of all forms of confirmed TB in infants, adolescents, adults at facility and community levels in Koome islands.
ii) increase treatment success rates to 90% among patients enrolled on TB treatment in the catchment area of Koome
iii) To achieve 100%screening of all contacts of confirmed TB cases in the targeted communities.
sikyomu additionally works with Peace corps volunteers and currently sikyomu is working with Zoe O’Halloran who has been given a local name of Nantongo form NKIIMA Clan. Currently she is implementing a grant called” ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT FOR VULNERABLE WOMEN OF REPRODUCTIVE AGE-PEACE CORPS GRANT
This project is being supported by peace corps and works with HIV positive and high brisk women aged 15- 39 in village savings and loans Association(VSLA) groups previously established through the DREAMS program. These women face heightened vulnerability to HIV due to poverty , caregiving responsibilities and limited access to sustainable incomes. Many are forced to engage in risky behaviours to support themselves and their families while those living with HIV often experience stigma ad discrimination that further limits their economic opportunities.
This project aims to reduce HIV vulnerability and transmission, improve health outcomes for plhiv and ease the social and economic burden of the epidermic by equipping women with sustainable income generating activities( IGAs). over a four month period, 6groups will receive support to implement IGAs such as Pig rearing, poultry farming, cattle rearing and safe water provision. Each group selects an activity based on both their needs and those of the community.
for example one group manages a national water tap, providing safe , accessible water in a community where residents travel long distances – exposing them to risks such as road accidents and gender based violnce.
HI,
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