Strategic Considerations for Mitigating the Impact of COVID-19 on Key-Population-Focused HIV Programs

Ensuring access to HIV prevention, care, and treatment services for those at risk of HIV acquisition is a critical priority during this time. Key population program beneficiaries and staff face unique challenges, including disruptions to service delivery, increased stigma and discrimination, and heightened vulnerability to HIV acquisition. To mitigate the impact of COVID-19, key population program implementers must adopt flexible and adaptable strategies to maintain access to essential services. This includes leveraging digital technologies, such as telemedicine and online counseling, to reach program beneficiaries and staff. Strategies to reduce the impact of COVID-19 on key population program beneficiaries and staff include prioritizing the use of personal protective equipment, implementing social distancing measures, and ensuring adequate infection control practices. Program implementers must also engage with key population communities to understand their needs and concerns, and to develop targeted interventions to address these issues. The EpiC project has developed a technical resource to support key population program implementers in mitigating the impact of COVID-19. This resource provides guidance on reducing the impact of COVID-19 on key population program beneficiaries and staff, while safely maintaining access to HIV prevention, care, and treatment services. The resource will be updated regularly to respond to the rapidly evolving nature of the COVID-19 pandemic and the needs of key population program implementers and beneficiaries. Key population program implementers must prioritize the continuity of treatment and support for viral suppression among people living with HIV, while also addressing the unique challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. By adopting flexible and adaptable strategies, leveraging digital technologies, and engaging with key population communities, program implementers can mitigate the impact of COVID-19 and ensure continued access to essential services for those who need them most.