Training Peer Educator Champions to spread HIV prevention and awareness information among key populations in Uganda.
Background →
In Uganda, as of 2021, the estimated HIV prevalence among adults aged 15-49 is 6.2%, with HIV prevalence among key populations estimated to be three times that. This is attributed to a number of factors, including: commercial sex, drug use, limited access to HIV prevention and testing services, and poor perceptions and attitudes towards HIV prevention programs.
Description
Working in partnership with district health offices and local health partners, communities in need of HIV prevention and testing outreach were identified for awareness outreach. A two-day Peer Educator Champions training in HIV prevention messaging aimed at overcoming barriers between HIV knowledge and social stigma was conducted in each of the five districts. Peer Champions approached key populations in various locations for free HIV services, including: HIV testing and counselling, PrEP information and condom distribution. A structured survey was conducted to collect program data which was uploaded in real-time onto a secure encrypted database using cellphone data or Wi-Fi.
