Neftaly: Strengthening the Capacity of Healthcare Providers to Deliver MSM and Transgender-Friendly Quality Services
Overview
Access to respectful, competent, and non-discriminatory healthcare is critical to improving HIV outcomes among men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender (TG) individuals. However, stigma, discrimination, and lack of provider knowledge often create barriers to care for these communities. Neftaly is dedicated to building the capacity of both formal and informal healthcare providers to deliver MSM- and TG-friendly quality services, ensuring that all individuals receive respectful, confidential, and effective HIV prevention, treatment, and care.
Goal
To enhance the skills, knowledge, and attitudes of healthcare providers to offer inclusive, sensitive, and high-quality HIV and related health services to MSM and transgender populations.
Strategic Objectives
1. Comprehensive Training and Sensitization
- Develop and deliver culturally competent training curricula tailored to the needs of MSM and TG clients for both clinical and non-clinical staff.
- Conduct sensitization workshops to address stigma, unconscious bias, and human rights principles in healthcare settings.
- Include modules on gender diversity, sexual health, HIV prevention and treatment, mental health, and confidentiality.
2. Integration of MSM and TG Health Needs into Routine Services
- Support healthcare facilities to integrate MSM- and TG-specific services within existing HIV, sexual and reproductive health, and primary care programs.
- Promote use of screening tools and protocols adapted for key populations.
- Encourage the establishment of safe and private spaces within clinics to improve service uptake.
3. Strengthening Informal and Community-Based Provider Networks
- Engage informal providers such as traditional healers, pharmacists, and peer educators through capacity building on MSM and TG health issues.
- Foster linkages between informal providers and formal health systems to improve referral pathways and continuity of care.
- Support peer navigators and community health workers in delivering outreach and follow-up services.
4. Supportive Supervision and Continuous Professional Development
- Establish mentorship and supervision mechanisms to reinforce provider competencies and address ongoing challenges.
- Promote participation in continuous learning opportunities including online courses, webinars, and communities of practice.
- Facilitate exchange visits and peer learning among healthcare providers to share best practices.
5. Monitoring, Evaluation, and Quality Improvement
- Strengthen data collection and use to monitor service quality and client satisfaction among MSM and TG populations.
- Implement quality improvement initiatives based on feedback from clients and providers.
- Use evidence to advocate for policy and systemic changes that support inclusive healthcare provision.
Expected Outcomes
- Increased availability of MSM- and TG-friendly healthcare providers equipped with the knowledge and skills to deliver high-quality services.
- Reduced stigma and discrimination within healthcare settings, resulting in improved trust and service uptake by key populations.
- Enhanced linkages between formal and informal healthcare providers, ensuring comprehensive and continuous care.
- Improved health outcomes for MSM and TG individuals, including higher rates of HIV testing, treatment adherence, and viral suppression.
Conclusion
Neftaly’s commitment to strengthening healthcare provider capacity is essential to dismantling barriers to quality HIV services for MSM and transgender communities. By fostering inclusive, knowledgeable, and compassionate healthcare environments, we pave the way for improved health equity and a more effective HIV response that respects the dignity and rights of all people.