AIDSImpact.com:: - Santa Fe, USA 2011

Abstract #334 - Making the difference: community based HIV prevention initiative in Nepal
Authors: Presenting Author: Mr Ananda Pun - Recovering Nepal
Additional Authors:
Aim: Partnership support fund [PSF] , a small grant program supported 43 community based HIV projects in 12 districts of Nepal, the ultimate objective to promote and scale up innovative community based approach to HIV and harm reduction while majority of drug users do not have access to prevention services in Nepal
Method / Issue: The epidemic of HIV and HCV linked to injecting drug usage is still high in Nepal. However the coverage and continuity of the service has always remained a challenge. Community based HIV prevention & Harm reduction Initiative by Recovering Nepal [RN], has reached 50% IDUs, captured by WHO as good practice in 2010, which can be replicated elsewhere.
Results / Comments: PSF projects proved to be cost effective and well accepted by drug users with high coverage rate, reached approx 13,000 IDUs. Reached hidden IDUs usually not reached by any other prevention programmes. Peer to peer approach proved to be very effective
Discussion: Lessons learned will be the basis of replication of programmes. The program will develop scale up plan to intensify response. Accelerated capacity development and M&E plan will be developed to maintain the quality of the service. Extensive outreach services will be an essential component. The project will be users friendly where user feel safe in, less stigmatized and have open access
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