2. USAID STRENGTHENING THE CARE CONTINUUM PROJECT (The Care Continuum)
Bridging the gap between FSW reached and tested
09 May, 2018

3. Authors: Affiliation:
C. Oduro1, S. Awere1, R. Blankson1, A. Abakah1, E. Oduro1, E. Adiibokah2, M. Sean3, H. Nagai3
1Life Relief Foundation
2Population Council
3JSI Research & Training Institute, Inc.
Authors: Affiliation:

4. Outline
Background
Description
Lessons Learnt
Next Steps

5. In Ghana, HIV prevalence among FSW is 7% higher than general population of 1.6% (Integrated Biological and Behaviour Surveillance Survey (IBBSS) 2016).
In FY15, 15,767 FSWs were reached with a package of prevention services and 10,286 FSWs were tested (2016 PEPFAR GHANA COP).
This figure for FSW tested falls short of the target by 3,904 for the intended targets.
There is a need to improve HIV outreach programs to increase HIV testing services among FSWs.
Background:

6. Description
To increase the number of FSWs tested, LRF adopted an integrated services approach dubbed “Outreach Wellness Center”.

7. Description contd. Safe and comfortable environment
“Outreach Wellness Center” Services;
Safe and comfortable environment
Peer-led one-on-one educational sessions
HIV testing services
Hepatitis B test
Test for malaria parasites
STI screening and management
SGBV screening and referrals
Family planning screening
Non- Paying Partner tracing
Psychosocial/Adherence counseling
Description contd.

8. Lessons Learnt
From November 2016 to January 2017, LRF reached 299 FSWs and tested 249 (83%).
From November 2017 to January 2018, LRF reached 557 FSWs and tested 557 (100%) with the introduction of integrated services approach to HTS outreach sessions.
An integrated service approach removes stigma related with HIV services and thus attracts more FSWs to HIV testing services.

9. Lessons Learnt contd.
From November 2016 to January 2017, LRF identified 20 FSW PLHIV and enrolled 14 on ART.
From November 2017 to January 2018, LRF identified 29 FSW PLHIV by using the integrated services approach to HTS outreach sessions and enrolled 25 on ART.
An integrated service approach removes stigma related with HIV services and thus encourage more FSWs to be enrolled in care and treatment .

10. Next Step
We will continue to expand the “Outreach Wellness Center” activity at other FSW sites; this should increase HIV testing for FSWs.
LRF is putting measures to scale up its services in establishing a stand-alone Center of Excellence for this integrated service model.

11. Thank you