Neftaly: Strengthening the Supporting Environment to Improve Access of High-Risk Key Populations to Health Services
High-risk key populations often face significant barriers—social, legal, and structural—that limit their access to vital health services. Creating a supportive and enabling environment is crucial to overcome these barriers, ensuring equitable access and improving health outcomes.
Neftaly (South African Youth Project) is committed to strengthening the enabling environment to facilitate safe, stigma-free, and non-discriminatory access to health services for high-risk key populations.
Program Goal
To strengthen the social, legal, and structural environment that supports improved access to comprehensive health services for high-risk key populations.
Strategic Objectives
- Advocate for policies and legal frameworks that protect the rights of high-risk populations.
- Reduce stigma and discrimination within communities and healthcare settings.
- Enhance capacity of healthcare providers to deliver key population-friendly services.
- Foster community empowerment and participation in program design and delivery.
- Promote multisectoral collaboration to address social determinants affecting access.
Key Intervention Areas
1. Policy and Legal Advocacy
- Engage policymakers to reform laws and policies that impede access to services.
- Support rights-based approaches and human rights training for stakeholders.
2. Stigma and Discrimination Reduction
- Implement awareness campaigns targeting communities, health workers, and law enforcement.
- Establish complaint and feedback mechanisms for clients experiencing discrimination.
3. Health Provider Capacity Building
- Train healthcare workers on key population sensitivities, confidentiality, and non-discrimination.
- Create safe spaces within health facilities for key populations.
4. Community Empowerment
- Support peer-led initiatives and networks to build trust and promote health-seeking behavior.
- Involve key populations in planning, monitoring, and evaluation of programs.
5. Multisectoral Collaboration
- Partner with sectors such as justice, education, and social services to address broader barriers.
- Develop coordinated responses to social and economic factors impacting access.
Expected Outcomes
- Improved legal and policy environment supporting key population rights.
- Reduced stigma and discrimination in communities and healthcare settings.
- Increased availability of friendly, confidential, and respectful health services.
- Empowered key populations actively engaged in their health and wellbeing.
- Enhanced collaboration across sectors addressing access barriers.
Why It Matters
Access to health services for high-risk populations is fundamental to controlling epidemics and ensuring health equity. Strengthening the supportive environment enables Neftaly to break down barriers and foster inclusive, effective health programs.
Partner with Neftaly
Neftaly works alongside governments, civil society, and communities to build inclusive environments that guarantee accessible, rights-based health services for all.