AIDSTAR-Two Project Trip Report – Armenia Jan. 13 – Jan. 18, 2013

The report emphasizes the need for innovative and sustainable approaches to HIV prevention among MSM, who face significant stigma and barriers to accessing healthcare services. The report notes that attempts to describe best practices on HIV prevention among MSM in the Caucasus region have been hindered by the traditional donor-implementer model of relationship, which prioritizes donor-funded activities over locally driven initiatives. The existing monitoring system focuses on quantitative indicators, such as the number of condoms distributed, rather than qualitative information on service quality and customer satisfaction. A gap analysis of the Comprehensive Package of Services for MSM identified significant gaps in the implementation of the treatment and care component, which is primarily provided by government organizations. NGOs, such as Tanadgoma and Gender and Development, face challenges in motivating HIV-positive MSM to establish and maintain self-help groups due to societal stigma and fear of rejection. The report highlights the importance of sustainability in HIV programming, particularly in the context of limited funding opportunities and donor interest in the region. The Global Fund's funding for HIV prevention among MSM is extremely limited, and there is a risk of funding termination, which would result in the cessation of all prevention activities for vulnerable groups. During the trip, the traveler met with local USAID representatives to discuss the AIDSTAR II project and possible assistance to local NGOs. A gap analysis of the Comprehensive Package of Services for MSM was conducted, and a list of recommendations on the introduction and improvement of documentation processes was developed. A technical support plan for the upcoming three months was also discussed and agreed upon. The report also highlights the work of NGOs, such as We For Civil Equality, which implements projects aimed at facilitating access to HIV-related services for transgender individuals and strengthening the human rights situation of LGBT individuals in the South Caucasus. These projects demonstrate the importance of innovative and sustainable approaches to HIV prevention and the need for continued support and funding. Overall, the report emphasizes the need for a more comprehensive and sustainable approach to HIV prevention among MSM in Armenia, one that prioritizes locally driven initiatives and addresses the significant barriers and challenges faced by this population.