Project Title: 
Support to the National STI/HIV Program

Project Overview:
Country: Jamaica
Duration: 2010 - 2016

Contractor(s)/Grantee(s):
Ministry of Health

Objective:
MOH’s STI/HIV Program aims to reduce the sexual transmission of HIV by targeting most-at-risk populations, which include Sex Workers (SW) (with a  2.9% prevalence rate), their Clients, Men who have Sex with Men (MSM) (with a 32.9% prevalence rate) and out-of-school youth with prevention information, health services, and referrals to other support.

Program Targets:
Through USAID support to the Ministry of Health (MOH), the National HIV/STI Programme is reaching thousands of MSM and Sex Workers through Empowerment Workshops and outreach efforts. The program helped create two safe spaces in Kingston for key populations to access HIV counseling and testing and other prevention and care services. The MOH also works with faith-based leaders, other government ministries, civil society organizations, and the private sector to ensure that HIV prevention is being addressed across the island.

Program Status: The current Program objectives include 

• 1. The support for key population groups and people living with HIV in accessing the Continuum of Prevention, Care and Treatment and improve retention in the clinical cascade;
• 2. Reduce stigma and discrimination and improve the protection of the rights of selected vulnerable groups through building the capacity of stakeholders involved in HIV prevention, care and treatment; And
• 3. Support the capacity of stakeholders (KP, PLHIV, CBO/NGO and government) through use of strategic information to improve program and policy outcomes.