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

3. 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:

4. Outline
Background
Description
Lessons Learnt
Next Steps

5. 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:

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

7. 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

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

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

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

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

12. 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

13. 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.

14. Thank you