LINKAGES PROJECT
KANCO over the years has implemented and have ongoing Key Populations programs through various projects that have contributed positively to Key Populations service uptakeAs at June 2013, a study conducted by University of Manitoba revealed that there are a total of 3,721 Key populations in Kakamega County out of which 316 are MSMs and 3,405 are FSWsIn Kakamega County, the LINKAGES project transitioned from APHIA Plus that implemented Key Populations Programs from 2012 to 2014 using Combination Prevention Approaches. The Project is funded by USAID through FHI 360 and KANCO as the Local Implementing Partner in Kakamega County
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The LINKAGES project use of evidence‐based approaches to make comprehensive HIV services easily available to key populations (KP) within Kakamega County and to sustain those services as projects goal will be achieved through the following results:
- Results Area 1: Increased availability of comprehensive prevention, care and treatment services, including reliable coverage across the continuum of care for key populations.
- Results Area 2: Demand for comprehensive prevention, care and treatment services among key population enhanced and sustained.
- Results Area 3: Strengthened systems for planning, monitoring, evaluating and assuring the quality of programs for key populations
- OBJECTIVE
The objective of this grant is to implement activities to support HIV prevention, care, and treatment services for 3,913 FSWs and 325 MSMs residing or working in Kakamega County in targeted hotspots
ACTIVITIES
Results Area 1: Increased availability of comprehensive prevention, care and treatment services, including reliable coverage across the continuum of care for FSWs and MSM
- Activity 1: Expand Drop in Center services
- Activity 2: Recruitment and follow up of KPs
- Activity 3: Conduct monthly integrated outreaches for increased service uptake for KPs
- Activity 4: Referral and linkages for HIV Care and Treatment and other Services
- Activity 5: Condom promotion and distribution
- Activity 6: Distribute water-based lubricants to KPs
- Activity 7: Referrals for counseling and treatment for drugs and substance use
- Activity 8: Education and Services to Mitigate Gender Based, and Sexual Violence
- Activity 9: Training of KPs on Peer Education
Results Area 2: Demand for comprehensive prevention, care and treatment services among key populations enhanced and sustained
- Activity 1: Continuous Engagement of key stakeholders within Kakamega County to support interventions for KPs
- Activity 2: Monthly meetings with ART facility staff to enhance effective linkage for HIV Positive KPs.
- Activity 3: Use available online network and social media platforms
- Activity 4: Update service directory
- Activity 5: Coordination and Networking:
Results Area 3: Strengthened systems for planning, monitoring, evaluating and assuring the quality of programs for key populations, FSWs and MSMs
- Activity 1: Monthly Peer Educators Feedback/Reporting Meeting
- Activity 2: Quarterly joint supervisory visits with MOH team
- Activity 3: Data Management and Data Quality Assurance for the Project
- Activity 4: Quarterly Review Meetings with VPRT and CAB
- Activity 5: Document project success stories and best practices appropriately.