The HIV/AIDS Prevention and Services Support to the Lesotho Defense Forces
Abstract
Population Services International (PSI)/Lesotho will conduct and strengthen HIV prevention activities among active military personnel and their families. The program’s goal is to reduce the number of new HIV infections and other sexually transmitted diseases among members of the Lesotho Defense Force (LDF), their families, and the civilian communities served by the LDF through voluntary medical male circumcision (VMMC) services. PSI/Lesotho’s program will achieve the following objectives over four years: • Promote and deliver high quality VMMC services to 17,600 LDF members, their families, and surrounding communities • Support the development and delivery of high quality HIV testing and counseling (HTC) services to 28,000 clients as an essential component of the VMMC services • Promote the use of male and female condoms through awareness raising and the distribution of 4,000,000 (3,800,000 camouflaged male and 200,000 generic female) condoms to the target population The program aims to meet these objectives by continuing comprehensive VMMC services (including HTC service provision and condom distribution) and intensifying community mobilization efforts in order to create informed demand for the service. Community events will be organized on military bases to reach men and encourage them to seek out VMMC services. Additional informational materials, such as brochures that address the importance of VMMC to the clients and their partners, will be (re)produced and disseminated through LDF networks to increase awareness of the services and its benefits. By the end of the proposed period, an additional 17,600 men will have received VMMC services. The program will provide significant technical and operational support for increasing VMMC service provision. Specifically, the program will enhance the capacity of the clinical team to deliver comprehensive VMMC services, provide VMMC commodities management support as needed, and support the use of the LDF electronic medical record (EMR) system. As part of the comprehensive VMMC services, the program will include HTC service provision as an essential component of LDF VMMC services. Specifically, the program will continue developing LDF HIV counselor capacity and ensure appropriate linkages to care and treatment programs. Additionally, the program will assist the LDF in the forecasting, procurement, marketing, and distribution of military camouflaged condoms.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Aug 09, 2016
- Source ID
- N002441510022
Entities
People
- Johnathan Davitte
Organizations
- United States Navy