HIV in Sierra Leone – prevalence and reduction among sex workers

Project period:

15.10.2021 - 30.06.2022

Granted amount:

499,844,- DKK

Total budget:

545,844,- DKK

Organization:

Brighter Horizons

Partners:

Brighter Horizons Sierra Leone Pink Power Organisation

Pool:

Civilsamfundspuljen

Grant type:

Medborgerindsats

World goals:

Goal 1: No Poverty

Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being

Goal 5: Gender Equality

Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities

Goal 17: Partnerships for the Goals

Efforts take place in:

Sierra Leone

Resume

This intervention takes place in Freetown, Sierra Leone. The overall objective is to improve data on HIV prevalence, reduce/prevent the spread of HIV and advocate for action in Sierra Leone. Adding to this there are three sub-objectives; 1. Increase valid data set, representation of HIV prevalence and HIV understanding among sex workers in Freetown; 2. Increase capacity and competence of local partners to do more effective networking; 3. Increase lobbyism to generate fertil ground for creating awareness of the uncontrolled HIV situation among sex workers. Official data on HIV among sex workers is 6.7 per cent. Based on pilot HIV testings with US-based NGO, ICAP, these results point to HIV positives being 5-6 times higher. The intervention will target sex workers, male sex customers and representatives from key organisations working with HIV in Sierra Leone. Through larger scale testing and advocacy we hope to influence both strategy, treatment and reduction of HIV among sex workers.