Detailed Mechanism Funding and Narrative

Years of mechanism: 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015

Details for Mechanism ID: 10962
Country/Region: Mozambique
Year: 2013
Main Partner: University of Connecticut
Main Partner Program: NA
Organizational Type: University
Funding Agency: USDOD
Total Funding: $0

The University of Connecticut (UConn) is providing evidence based one-on-one positive prevention (PP) sessions to HIV positive military personnel, their families and other civilians in two military health facilities and reaching out some military bases working closely with the Population Services International (PSI). The objectives of the program are to expand and address a broad spectrum of prevention-related issues including sexual risk reduction, ART adherence, HIV status disclosure, discuss issues related to GBV and sexual violence supporting victims through counseling and referral, male circumcision, nutrition, hygiene, reproductive decision making, alcohol use, and clinic attendance. This partner is also being funded through the GBV special initiative in order to scale up their GBV existing activities which aim to increase GBV awareness among the Forças Armadas de Defesa de Moçambique (FADM) HIV patients, family members and a portion of the general population. The activities implemented aim to reduce sexual violence and provide psychosocial support, medical and judicial assistance for victims, ensuring that proper procedures are followed and lead to punishment of perpetrators. This partner's activities are implemented in coordination with the FADM gender office, and other USG funded partners such as Men Can Stop Rape (MCSR) and Population Services International (PSI). The expected impact is HIV positive military personnel and their families to live positively, adhere to treatment and a reduction of GBV cases among the military community. The USG will continue funding this partner to maintain their services at military ART treatment sites and increase their targets by working with the peer educators to deliver the services.

Funding for Treatment: Adult Treatment (HTXS): $0

The USG will fund the University of Connecticut (UConn) to expand the Positive Preventio (PP) program so that it addresses a broad spectrum of prevention-related issues including sexual risk reduction, ART adherence, HIV disclosure, GBV and sexual violence, male circumcision, nutrition, hygiene, reproductive decision making, alcohol use, and clinic attendance. The GBV portion of their program received extra-funding through the GBV special initiative to scale-up the activities and, in this particular effort, UConn is closelly working with Men Can Stop Rape (MCSR) and PSI.

The PP program at Maputo Military Day Hospital will be expanded to reach 2000 PLWH with one-on-one counseling by trained peer educators, and 5000 PLWH with group sessions conducted by peer educators in the waiting area of the hospital. The content provided in the individual counseling sessions and in the group sessions will be consistent.

The PP program at Nampula Military Hospital will be expanded to reach 500 PLWH with one-on-one counseling by trained peer educators, and 1000 PLWH with group sessions conducted by peer educators in the waiting area of the hospital.

Booster training sessions will be conducted with peer educators and FADM healthcare providers, as needed.

New materials will be created and existing materials updated, as needed. This will be done in close collaboration with the Ministry of Health, FADM and other PP USG funded partners.

UConn will work closely with PSI to support and enhance each others programs, and prevent duplication of services. This will include UConn providing ongoing technical assistance to PSI as well as training assistance to their peer educators who work with soldiers in the barracks.

The evaluation of the PP program will continue with follow-up surveys being administered in both Maputo Military Day Hospital and Nampula Military Hospital.

A group of FADM master trainers will be identified and trained in the PP and GBV program. This will allow the program to be widely disseminated to FADM healthcare facilities and barracks throughout Mozambique, and to eventually function independently of the U.S. team.

Key Issues Identified in Mechanism
Implement activities to change harmful gender norms & promote positive gender norms
Increase gender equity in HIV prevention, care, treatment and support
Increasing women's legal rights and protection
Military Populations