Using ICT solutions to reach MSM in Morocco M. Karkouri, M. Harri, O. Mellouk, H. Himmich Association de Lutte Contre le Sida, Morocco THSY10
The Context Low HIV overall prevalence but concentrated epidemic among Key Populations (MSM) Homosexuality is illegal in Morocco by Law 489 (6m to 3y prison and/or 12 to 120 $ fine) Homophobia and high level of stigma, violence, police harassment Development and diffusion of ICT (mobile phones, internet) lesser recourse to cruising areas 2
The MSM Program of ALCS ALCS : Community-based organization (1988) with extensive experience working with MSM in Morocco MSM Outreach Prevention Program (since 1993) (Gov't approved): – Prevention sessions on cruising areas and in-house – Condom/lube access – Information on HIV, AIDS and STIs – Self-esteem improvement – Psychosocial support and income-generating activities Coverage limited to major urban centers 3
The Intervention Creation of a profile "Pleasure & Health" on the most popular gay sites (Gayromeo, NRJChat) A standard message is sent to users explaining the purpose of our presence and offering to further chat Interested persons are invited to switch to "msn" instant messaging Conversations are recorded and FAQ are noted in a database allowing very quick answers ("Copy and paste") 4
5
The Services Education and information about HIV, AIDS and STIs Tailored counseling sessions on sexual practices Discussion about safer sex practices Reference to HIV Testing and Couseling sites Promotion of the HIV Hotline Information on psychological support and other services offered to PLHIV Safe space to talk about homosexuality 6
The Sexual and Reproductive Health SMS Platform "Bilaharaje" ("Be comfortable to ask") program Partnership : ALCS – OneWorld UK – Butterfly Works SMS Plateform (started 2011) hosted by ALCS "On técoute" ("We are listening to you") live free talk show airing weekly for two hours with a sexologist answering questions from young people (telephone calls, , Facebook) 7
8
The Results Jan-June 2011 July-Dec 2011 Jan – June 2012 Sessions New contacts Follow up contacts Decline
The Results Most popular topicsReferrals and orientation Sexual practices Prevention Stigma & Discr. Religion Family & Society Living with HIV Hotline HIV Testing & Couns. ALCS' website Marrakesh Men's Health Clinic 10
The Results Most popular topicsReferrals and orientation Sexual practices Prevention Stigma & Discr. Religion Family & Society Living with HIV Hotline HIV Testing & Couns. ALCS' website Marrakesh Men's Health Clinic 11
The Lessons learned High acceptability (low rate of decline) Low cost of operations Safety (for service providers and clients) Safe space to talk freely about sexual practices (no face-to-face bias) Opportunity to scale up service provision Referral to services more effective 12
The way forward Formal evaluation of the program needed (change of behaviors) Scale up of the service provision More extensive research to harness the potential of ICT solutions for targeting MSM 13