Title :

Targeted Intervention on HIV/AIDS, STI's among MSM in Goa.

Goal:
Prevention & Awareness programme to reduce the increasing rate of HIV/AIDS, STI's among MSM population in Goa.

Project duration:

Funded by:
Goa SACS - NACO

Summary:
The objective analysis of the project is to reduce HIV prevalence among MSM in the state of Goa, which can be achieved by appropriate means such IEC and BCC, Condom Promotion and by making Counseling and STI treatment services available to MSM in selected 10 (Ten) beat areas and 19 (Nineteen) sites.

There remains a paucity of information on sexual behavior, especially among men who have sex with men (MSM), gay identified men and bisexuals in cities like Panaji, Chimbel, Mapusa, Calangute, Baga, Anjuna, Candolim, Bicholim, Ponda, Valpoi in North Goa & Vasco-Da-Gama, Mormugao, Margao, Sanvordem in South Goa. These groups are most difficult to reach because of their invisibility / inaccessibility and due to the stigma and denial attached to such behaviors. The sexual behavior of MSM is of serious concern since usually MSM have multiple partners and low levels of knowledge of HIV transmission. In 1992, the director of the WHO's Global Programme on AIDS, Dr.M.H.Merson, stated that: "Currently the prevalence of homosexual behaviour is extremely difficult to estimate with any accuracy. However, there is sufficient evidence to conclude that homosexual and bisexual behaviour may be relatively common in some regions of the world, with reports that 20 per cent of the men having same sex contacts at some time in their life (Panos Chapter 7. Reference 3), even though the World Health Organization insists that: "The majority of the world's HIV infections have been acquired through sexual intercourse between men and women (heterosexual infection). The proportion of HIV infections attributable to this mode of transmission continues to grow" (Chapter 7.Reference No.1).

Achievements:

- Reached up to 6000 MSM clients and provides quality services and referrals in past 5 years.

- Increased knowledge in the MSM community in Goa on Sex & Sexuality, HIV/AIDS, STI's, Safer Sex practices, condoms and lubes, preventive measures, etc. up to 80%.

- With the help of various capacity building workshops and trainings on various topics improved the system and build up the capacity and self esteem in an individual staff, volunteers and clients.

- Achieved support and co-operation from main stream line population, stakeholders and other NGO's.

- Got funding from NAZ Foundation International (NFI) to run a Advocacy Programme in the state of Goa for the period of 1 year.

- Got approval & funding for separate Drop-in Centre in the district of North Goa from Goa State AIDS Control Society.

- Increased number of clients at the Drop-in centres, STD Clinics, VCCTC's and other referral linkages up to 35%.

- Increased number of condom distribution for the clients i.e. 4,00,000 (Four Lakhs) for the past 5 years.

- Increase number of I.E.C. & BCC materials for the clients i.e. 35,000 (Thirty Five Thousand) for the past 5 years.