HIV Prevention Program for MSM in Post –Conflict Liberia Stop AIDS in Liberia Stop AIDS in Liberia HIV Prevention Program for MSM in Post –Conflict Liberia

Background MSM workshop Section Stop AIDS in Liberia is a local non- governmental organization that is working people living with AIDS at the same time encouraging people to get tested in order to know their status which is the best way for them to protect themselves or take care of themselves against re-infection. SAIL has as it focus working with the most at risk population or people in the sexual minorities with a primary target of MSM/LGBT community. MSM workshop Section

Mission/Vision Mission Social and Movies Nite To contribute to the reduction of the spread of HIV through advocacy, treatment, education, prevention program, care provision and support of PLWHIV and other venerable groups. Especially sexual minorities or most at risk population. Vision An AIDS free society without any form of discrimination. Helping Liberians to live hive happier and healthier lives. Social and Movies Nite

Program Focus Health – The unit is focused on the well being of individuals and the community. Through outreach, home visits and support group meetings, the unit offers services to: LGBT/MSM in general – staying healthy; being informed on their sexual health; seeking testing and where appropriate early treatment for STI’s including HIV LGBT/MMSM living with HIV - staying healthy, accessing and adhering to medications, and keeping them from HIV re-infection, STI’s and other opportunistic infections. The Unit also advocates for the health of the greater LGBT community with key stakeholders in government and amongst development partners . Skills Acquisition - The unit is responsible with helping MSM acquire life skills in- order to sustain themselves and not being venerable but self reliant. These include basic computer skills, Bead & Red Ribbons production for income generating, inter personal and career building skill. Social Interaction – The unit is a motivational component of SAIL. On a monthly basis, we provide safe space for gay, bisexual and other MSM to interact, often having a professional person who has excelled in life (in government and/or private sector) speak to younger guys to explain how they are living a successful life, even with the perception that they are gay

Challenges The quest to implement LGBT program especially in countries like Liberia where homosexuality is against the law…… Transitional nature of development aid to Liberia (“post-conflict”) Lack of recognition of existence by local HIV and human rights sector Lack of sustained funding (currently only receiving funding from amfAR) MSM Focus Group Meeting Section

Referrals and Support Services Specific Objective: To refer HIV positive MSM to access Services at JFK Medical Center IDC HIV Unit. 55 MSM provided with referrals Supports Services to improve quality of life SAIL conducts referrals activity to link numbers of MSM who are tested HIV positive to HIV care and treatment Centers, services so as to improve the quality of life of MSM living with HIV/AIDS. The total number of 55 MSM persons tested HIV positive were referred by SAIL’s Peer Counselors to JFK IDC for treatment and care. 5 of the 55 persons are peer educators.

The Impact of SAIL MSM Project To date we have trained over 100 people as peer educators where they also go out training other MSM about HIV and AIDS and how to seek medication attention regardless of their illnesses and sexuality. Free condoms and lubricates to MSM, they are now coming a regular basis to request these item to practice safe sex, MSM know the different way on how to prevent themselves from contracting HIV, We have connected ourselves with MSM friendly doctors and Nurses, there is an increase board and member participation at all levels, SAIL is recognized as the first group doing MSM work in Liberia. We have build partnership with other local, regional and international NGOs.

Continuation of Impact Due to this work for the first time MSM were included into the Liberia national AIDS strategy plan document as a risk group for HIV prevention and interventions. Currently there is a Mapping Study of MARP and Key Population going on with the involvement of MSM and other risks groups The project estimated to reach 500 MSM and to over 250 MSM has been reached. As of the result of this project so many guys came to hand out at SAIL space .  Monthly support and focus groups meeting organized Weekly text messages sent out to MSM about safe sex Movies Nights

Outreach Coordinators Peer Educators and OC,s MSM outreach coordinator at Health Care Facility

THANK YOU!!

Contact: Stop AIDS in Liberia (SAIL) Conner of Carey and Johnson Streets Suite 012 , Barclay Building P.O .Box 20-5472, 1000 Monrovia, 20 Liberia, West Africa. Tel: +231 (0) 77-690-621 Email: stopaidsinliberia_sail@yahoo.com Website: stopaidsinliberia.org