USAID STRENGTHENING THE CARE CONTINUUM PROJECT (The Care Continuum) Community Mobilization and Female Sex Workers 10 May, 2018

Authors: Affiliation: C. Oduro1, S. Awere1, R. Blankson1, O. Oduro1, J. Kissiedu1, A. Abakah1, E. Oduro1, S. Maher2, H. Nagai2 1Life Relief Foundation 2JSI Research & Training Institute, Inc. Authors: Affiliation:

Outline Background Description Lessons Learnt Next Steps

There are an estimated 52,000 female sex workers (FSW) across the 10 regions of Ghana. HIV prevalence among FSW is 7% higher than general population of 1.6% (Integrated Biological and Behaviour Surveillance Survey (IBBSS 2016) LRF under the Care Continuum, applied community mobilization approach for FSWs to increase access to quality and comprehensive health care services in the Western Region. Background:

Description Collective identity – Collective action and empowerment The 3 Cs Approach: Collective identity – Collective action and empowerment Collective Ownership

COMMUNITY MOBILIZATION Mapping of FSW community FSW Community Leaders DESCRIPTION contd. COLLECTIVE IDENTITY Sense of Oneness Culture, Characteristics and behavior Structure and Social Norms COMMUNITY MOBILIZATION Outreach Education Advocacy with Key Stakeholders COLLECTIVE ACTION Create Enabling Environment Seek Service Develop Skills Power Within Decision making Self -Confidence Form Solidarity Groups Internal Skills To Overcome External Barriers COLLECTIVE OWNERSHIP Plan Activities Create Safe Centers Refer for Services Wellness Center

Challenges identified during community mobilization: Description contd. Sexual Gender Based Violence

Description contd. Challenges identified during community mobilization: Access to Health Care

Challenges identified during community mobilization: Description contd. Constraints with funding

Description contd. Challenges identified during community mobilization: National Laws criminalizing FSWs

Lessons Learnt LRF increased the uptake and access to HIV services through community mobilization, involvement and ownership. Between FY2017, using the 3Cs approach, LRF reached 1,795 and tested 1,711 FSW for HIV. In FY2016, LRF reached only 701 FSW and tested 280

Next Step Continue with community mobilization strategies . Solidarity groups address social, health and human right challenges Build confidence and trust between the FSW community and service providers.

Thank you