Dominican Republic: Results from October 2015 to March 2016

APC serves populations with the highest HIV prevalence by expanding coverage and improving the quality of HIV prevention, care, and support services. APC partners with local organizations to reach key populations, including female sex workers (FSW), men who have sex with men (MSM), and transgender persons (TG), as well as priority populations such as clients of sex workers and batey residents. In 2016, APC continued to build on the success of fiscal years 2014 and 2015 through technical assistance and support provided to 22 local organizations and public hospitals. During the first semester of FY16, APC partners reached 37,214 members of key populations with community-based HIV prevention services. The prevention package includes information, education, and communication activities, HIV testing and STI treatment services, accompanied referrals to HTC services, provision of condoms and lubricants, and referral to HIV clinical care and treatment services. APC also distributed 755,648 condoms and 673,968 lubricants to key and priority populations as part of the minimum prevention package. APC's goal is to improve access to a comprehensive package of HIV and STI prevention, treatment, community care, and support services for key populations and priority populations. The project focuses on seven key populations, including FSW, MSM, and TG, and reaches priority populations such as clients of sex workers and batey residents. APC partners with local organizations to provide evidence-based, minimum standard HIV prevention interventions to these populations. During the first semester of FY16, APC partners made 15,038 referrals to HIV testing and STI treatment services, with 97 percent of referrals being counter referrals. The highest numbers of referrals were for HIV testing. APC's referral system ensures the timely diagnosis of HIV in key and priority populations, immediate entry to comprehensive care services at APC clinics and public sector hospitals, and access to treatment for STIs identified in these health centers.