Health Workers’ Training Guide for the Provision of Quality, Stigma-Free HIV Services for Key Populations

These groups face significant barriers to accessing quality, stigma-free HIV services, which can exacerbate the epidemic. The Linkages project aims to address this issue by providing training and support for healthcare providers to deliver effective services. The Linkages project is a cooperative agreement between the U.S. President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The project focuses on key population programming, with a goal of reducing HIV transmission and extending life for those living with HIV. Linkages partner roles include FHI 360, which provides oversight and technical support, IntraHealth, which conducts capacity building for healthcare providers, and UNC, which assists with mapping, size estimation, and monitoring and evaluation. The Linkages project works with local implementing partners, including nongovernmental organizations and community-based organizations, to deliver services. These partners play a crucial role in providing context-specific support and guidance to healthcare providers. The project's HIV services framework emphasizes the importance of addressing the unique needs and experiences of key populations. The rationale for providing services to key populations is rooted in the recognition that these groups face significant barriers to accessing healthcare. A lack of understanding and stigma surrounding key populations can lead to inadequate services and poor health outcomes. The Linkages project aims to address this issue by providing training and support for healthcare providers to deliver effective, stigma-free services. The project's training guide focuses on providing healthcare providers with the knowledge and skills necessary to deliver quality services to key populations. The guide emphasizes the importance of using correct terminology and understanding the unique needs and experiences of key populations. By addressing the root causes of the HIV epidemic, the Linkages project aims to reduce transmission and improve health outcomes for key populations.