AIDSTAR-Two Project Trip Report – Guatemala

The report highlights the key findings and recommendations for the project's implementation in Guatemala. The AIDSTAR-Two Project aims to reduce the incidence of HIV and transmission among high-risk populations. The project's specific objectives include increasing local organizational capacity for sustainable HIV response, improving the social environment for access to HIV services among vulnerable populations, and enhancing continuous prevention services in targeted geographic areas. The project's geographic focus includes five departments in Guatemala: Petén, Izabal, Zacapa, San Marcos, and Quetzaltenango. The initial intervention will take place in Petén and Izabal. The project is expected to last for five years, with the first 18 months divided into two phases: April-September 2009 and October 2009-September 2010. During the trip, the consultant conducted a qualitative review of barriers to HIV prevention and other services for high-risk populations. This review involved interviews with key actors, focus groups, and other qualitative instruments. The consultant also participated in the formulation of a detailed work plan for the first 18 months of the project and contributed to the prioritization of interventions related to high-risk populations to be funded by the project. The report highlights the importance of addressing stigma and discrimination related to HIV. The consultant met with key stakeholders, including the President of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Guatemala in Petén, who received training on counseling and clinical updates through the PSP-One program. The consultant also visited the Amistad Positiva organization, a community-based organization formed by people living with HIV. The report notes that the Hospital Nacional in San Benito has a clinic for HIV services, which was inaugurated in February 2009 with resources from the Global Fund. The clinic offers social work services, specialized consultations, gynecology, psychiatry, diagnostic testing, and sample collection for studies. However, the clinic only provides services to the 54 cases diagnosed since its opening and is gradually offering antiretroviral therapy (ART) to a group of 12 people. The report also highlights the importance of establishing systems of referral between private and public services, as well as capacitating medical professionals in key areas. The consultant identified potential areas for intervention, including capacity building for medical professionals, linking medical professionals from the private and public sectors, and establishing systems of referral between services. Overall, the report provides a comprehensive overview of the AIDSTAR-Two Project's objectives, methodology, and key findings in Guatemala. It highlights the importance of addressing stigma and discrimination related to HIV and the need for capacity building, systems of referral, and other interventions to improve HIV services for high-risk populations.