USAID MULU for Key Population/FSW/ project

Funding Agency: USAID through Population Service International-Ethiopia (PSI/E)

In spite of joint efforts made by different governmental and non-governmental organizations including ISHDO, a number of significant gaps still exist in HIV prevention programming for adults and young people involved in transactional sex including:- · Lack of empowerment of women and girls in negotiation of condom use. · Inadequate awareness and limited health seeking behavior among female sex workers, clients and partners. · Absence of direct engagement of male clients in the preventive health services · Limited uptake of HIV counseling and testing, STI, care and treatment services · Presence of stigma and discrimination· Inequitable power dynamics between venue owners and sex workers · High mobility of female sex workers

ISHDO and its implementing partners have designed this project to fill the identified gaps and accelerate access to HIV/AIDS preventive service for people involved in transactional sex (PITS) in selected urban centers and hot spots. Integrated service for AIDS prevention and Support Organization (ISHDO) mainly focuses on sensitization, peer education, behavior change communication, condom promotion and regular monitoring and evaluation of activities in its project area.

General Objective of the Project is to contribute to the national target of reducing new infections by 60 % from 50 % through provision of a range of standard combination prevention services to 21,452 FSW and priority population in surrounding hotspot areas in Addis ketema, Bole and Arada by 2022

Specific Objective: At the end of the project period

  1. Access for HIV prevention information, services and commodities (Like condoms, HTC, FP and STI syndrome kits) for 21,452 FSW and other priority population in Addis ketema, Bole and Arada will increase by 90% by 2022.
  2. HIV prevention capacities and networking skills of 21,452 FSW and other priority population who are directly or indirectly involved in this project will be strengthened by conducting ongoing monitoring activities and mid–term evaluation by 2022.
  3. Stigma and discrimination against 136 FSWs tested HIV-positive will be reduced through the establishment of posttest clubs and involving them in economic strengthening program by 2022.