Sexual Rights, HIV/AIDS, Violence and Homophobia in Ghana

Transcription

1 Sexual Rights, HIV/AIDS, Violence and Homophobia in Ghana Mac-Darling Cobbinah, National Director Centre for Popular Education and Human Rights Ghana (CEPEHRG) XVII International AIDS Conference Mexico City, Mexico

2 CEPEHRG MISSION To build a democratic and accountable organization that strives for the attainment of full, equal rights and the removal of all forms of discrimination in all aspects of life for Young People and marginalized groups such as women, children, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transsexual, Intersex and Questioning (LGBTIQ) men and women in Ghana, and to inform, educate, counsel and support such people in matters related to the law health and socio-economic well-being.

3 AIMS and OBJECTIVES Human Rights Gender Sensitization HIV-AIDS Democracy/Good Governance Partnership

4 PROGRAMS Human Rights and HIVAIDS (Main Areas) Young people human rights programs Sisters of the Heart program MSM HIV/AIDS Intervention project Trained peer educators outreach STI Service at CEPEHRG drop-in-centre LGBTIQ and Human rights intervention Blackmail and extortion campaign Education and information centre Library / video centre Film festivals

5 Methodology and Techniques Popular/participatory education Peer education and outreach Popular/interactive theatre Workshops/Talk shop Distribution of MSM Specific BCC material

6 Selected HIV/AIDS High-Prevalence Areas in Ghana Wa 5.8% Bawku 3.8% Bolgatanga 2.6% Kintampo 3.0% Kumasi 4.6% Obuasi 5.0% Agormanya 8.9% Takoradi 4.6% Cape Coast 3.4% Adabraka 3.4% Source: HSS, 2007

7 Why MSM/WSW or the Marginalized? MSM LGBTIQ Special Groups Population MSM: Men who have sex with men LGBTIQ: Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transsexual, Intersex and Questioning Special Groups: e.g.. Commercial Sex Workers, Prison Inmates Risk of being subjected to violence due to personal sexual Orientation. Non existent / Low High Medium Very High Spill over of HIV-AIDS / STD

8 Selected HIV/AIDS High-Prevalence Areas in Ghana HIV/AIDS Prevalence in MSM in Accra and Tema: 25% September 2006, SHARP, CEPEHRG, MAY DAY

9 CEPEHRG HIV INTERVENTIONS WITH MSM - Objectives Increase: symptomatic awareness of STI s primary positive prevention behaviours MSM-Friendly Drop-in Centres Establish effective referral networks Promote the adoption of the key behaviors among MSM

10 Key HIV Infection Prevention Behaviours Properly Use condoms and Lubricants Get tested Promptly seek appropriate treatment Disclose their HIV or STI status Adhere to treatment Be faithful

11 MSM HIV/AIDS Intervention Project September 2005 to date 11 community intervention sites in Greater Accra Region Informal activities in the other regions of Ghana 7 PE, 1 Project Officer, 1 coordinator, PE volunteers Collaboration with Ghana Health Service*what type SMS Text messages to MSM to reenforce outreach activities by PE s

12 Indicators MSM reached Results Feb. 07-April 08 Target 1,650 Actual 2305 No. referred for STI treatment No. received STI treatment Condom sold Lubricant sold No. received CT service Condom service outlets Love and trust ,200 25, , ,214 18,

13 Monitoring & Evaluation Weekly meetings with project team. Field visits by project supervisor, PE, Coordinator Monthly reporting to AED-SHARP Documentation of progress of activities

14 Key Achievements Increased awareness of HIV and AIDS amongst MSM community Development of appropriate BCC materials for MSM Established first ever drop-in centre for MSM MSM Behavioral Surveillance Study 11 health personnel in 6 government hospitals sensitized to providing HIV-related services to MSM Reached 2305 MSM with peer educational activities (target 1650)

15 The Law Challenges (Unnatural canal knowledge (ACT 29 - CHAPTER 6 Section 104 (2)) Stigma from community Self stigma and denial Lack of sufficient funding for the program/organizational development HIGH cost of STI drugs and treatment

16 Lessons Learnt: Possible to implement HIV/STI interventions with MSM in Ghana MSM learnt to seek early STI Treatment accept themselves and HIV+ treatment accept peer education intervention as means to reduce HIV prevalence Peer educators / MSM can learn to overcome stigmatization in the communities.

17 Collaborators West Africa Program to Combat AIDS and STI (WAPCAS) Population Council, Ghana Theatre for a Change, Accra Strengthening HIV/AIDS Response Partnerships (SHARP) Ghana AIDS Commission (GAC) Ghana National AIDS Control Programme (NACP) The Royal Netherlands Embassy, Accra

18 Donors American Jewish World Service (AJWS) Astraea Lesbian Foundation for Justice, USA Human Rights Defenders, Ireland AED-SHARP, Ghana International Gay and lesbian Human Rights Commission (IGLHRC), USA AmFAR MSM Initiative, USA Individuals from all over the world

19 MIDAA SE PAA!! THANK YOU FOR LISTENING