The Regional Capacity Building Initiative for HIV is a joint initiative between ASHM International and Oceania Society for Sexual Health and HIV Medicine (OSSHHM) to provide mentoring, training and resources to health professionals working in HIV, TB and STIs in eleven Global Fund-supported Pacific countries: Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Kiribati, Nauru, Niue, Palau, Republic of the Marshall Islands, Samoa, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu.
The countries included in the project have low prevalence generalised HIV epidemics and sexually-transmissible infections (STIs) are common. Rates of HIV testing are low and many countries have laws criminalising key populations (men who have sex with men [MSM], transgender people and sex workers) and there are few protections against discrimination.
The delivery of medical services varies between countries, and is often inaccessible to members of key populations. Health care workers report being fatigued from overwork and from the need to respond to international development agency visits.
The project was developed to support health care workers in the eleven countries through gaining a deeper understanding of each country’s response to HIV, TB and sexual health, and establishing a pool of ‘Pacific Mentors’ based in Fiji to deliver training and direct mentorship to health professionals in Pacific countries.
Key Outcomes:
- Establishment of a pool of Pacific Mentors
- Country assessments and in-country mentoring
- Updated training packages and HIV, STI and SRH resources
Acknowledgement of partners and donors : The Global Fund grant, managed by UNDP and jointly implemented by ASHM International and OSSHHM
Links : Pacific Sexual health workforce capacity building, Transgender health training
