The project intends to provide HIV/AIDS services to 3500 key populations, preferably female sex workers and their clients through Health counseling and Testing (HCT), Psychosocial support and referrals to health facilities. It also intends to support 10 adolescent girls who are engaged in commercial sex to undergo vocational training.The project will be in three counties of south sudan namely, Wau, Torit and Kaya .
The Republic of South Sudan (RSS) has a 2.6% generalized HIV epidemic with hyper endemic geographic areas in the Western Equatoria State documenting prevalence as high as 15.7% in Yambio. HIV sero-prevalence ranges from 0.3% (Northern Bahr El-Ghazal State) to 6.8% (Western Equatoria State). In 2012, an estimated 152,000 South Sudanese were living with HIV, with as many as 13% being children and 16,000 new infections occurring annually. Approximately 62,000 people are in need of ARVs.
In order to create and provide high quality services, CAF will first identify gaps in the ongoing Linkages led HIV prevention, care and treatment cascade among FWS and their clients using its innovative HIV service cascade mentioned above. Once gaps are identified, CAF in collaboration with Linkages will support targeted services through technical assistance to services providers at service delivery sites along the HIV cascade (HTC, enrollment in care, ART initiatives)
The project has will positively impact on lives of over 6,000 people mainly women and children. This are key populations affected by HIV/AIDS scourge in the country. By enhancing preventive measures and provision of care and support to those infected and affected, the project is likely to reduce the spread of of HIV/AIDS among the people, reduce stigma and enhance livelihood options for these people. Trained peer educators from the community are expected to continue providing services.
