LINKAGES Quarterly Progress Report (April to June 2018) – Laos

These key populations include men who have sex with men (MSM), male sex workers (MSW), transgender women (TG), and TG sex workers (TGSW) in nine districts of Vientiane Capital, two districts of Savannakhet province, and two districts of Champasak province. The project's main goal is to provide a comprehensive package of prevention services to these key populations, including HIV testing and counseling, care and support, and treatment services. During the third quarter of fiscal year 2018 (FY18-Q3), LINKAGES Laos partners reached and provided the comprehensive package of prevention services to 1,208 MSM and TG, with 95% of them reached by community-based supporters (CBS) under the EPM model and 5% by facilities. The total reach at the end of FY18-Q3 represents 92% of the annual target set up for KP_PREV. The project also implemented the HIV self-testing (HIVST) with OraQuick test kits in Vientiane Capital, but the implementation was postponed due to the sudden change of regulations by the tax authorities for importing donated goods in Laos. The stock-out of HIV screening and testing kits has affected the continuation of peer-mediated screening under the LINKAGES project and of HIV testing at health facilities in the three provinces covered by LINKAGES Laos. Despite these challenges, the project achieved several key results during FY18-Q3. A total of 628 MSM and TG received HIV tests and their results, with 64 (or 10%) diagnosed HIV-positive. The total tested during the first three quarters of FY18 accounts for 77% of the annual targets fixed for HTS_TST, while the total number of individuals diagnosed HIV-positive during the same period accounts for 149% of the annual target set up for HTS_TST_POS. The project also achieved significant results in terms of care and support services. A total of 65 MSM and TG were successfully referred to CST services, including 48 MSM and TG who received a CD4 count or HIV staging. The total number of MSM and TG who were newly registered at an ART center and received a CD4 count or HIV staging during the first three quarters of FY18 accounts for 133% of the annual target for CARE_NEW. Furthermore, a total of 459 MSM and TG received ART during FY18-Q3, including 52 MSM and TG who were initiated on ART. The project's HIV continuum of prevention to care and treatment cascade using PEPFAR indicators shows that the percentage of people enrolled in CST services and initiated on ART is greater than 100%, as some of these individuals were enrolled previously during FY17. The project's achievements in FY18-Q3 demonstrate its commitment to providing comprehensive services to key populations affected by HIV in Laos.