Project Overview
MOD Public Health Foundation implemented a project to increase the uptake of VMMC services among adult males and young men aged 15 and above in Kimanya-Kabonera sub-county, Greater Masaka Region. The project was funded by PEPFAR Uganda Community Small Grants.
Project Period: April 2023-March 2024
Report by: Samuel Waliggo Ssegawa, Executive Director
Link for Detailed report: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1g26mNXYIjouTtxOHZSUKHFm5AFwcgpJ-/edit?usp=drive_link&ouid=103578137348534220194&rtpof=true&sd=true
Objective: To increase the uptake of VMMC services among males and young men aged 15 years and above, contributing to the reduction of new HIV infections and promotion of a healthier future for men and their communities.
Project Goal: To mobilize and link at least 1400 eligible men to VMMC services, achieving a minimum of 95% uptake of VMMC services among the targeted population.
Key Achievements
- Mobilized and linked 1368 eligible men to VMMC services, achieving 97.7% of the overall target.
- Created demand and awareness for VMMC services among 6703 project participants (direct and indirect beneficiaries).
- Successfully launched the "My Safety, My Health! Health is My Choice!" strategy, which promoted VMMC services and HIV prevention awareness.
- Collaborated with various stakeholders, including local government, health facilities, and community structures.
Impact
- - The project contributed to the prevention of new HIV infections and promoted a healthier future for men and their communities.
- - Enhanced community engagement and targeted mobilization of eligible men using VMMC Male Champions/Influencers.
- - Improved health-seeking behavior among men, with 11 couples reporting reduced gender violence after circumcision.
- - The project also promoted access to other HIV prevention services, including HIV testing and counseling, STI screening and treatment, and condom promotion.
Lessons Learned
- - Emphasize the importance of post-surgery care during health education sessions.
- - Targeted mobilization for VMMC services requires skills in partnership management and using mobilizers who have created credibility in communities.
- - Regular technical support supervision and physical follow-up of circumcised adults and young men are crucial for maintaining quality service delivery.
- - The project also highlighted the importance of addressing stigma and discrimination, as well as promoting male involvement in HIV prevention and reproductive health.
Conclusion
The project successfully increased the uptake of VMMC services among adult males and young men in Kimanya-Kabonera sub-county. The achievements and lessons learned from this project can inform future interventions aimed at promoting VMMC services and HIV prevention awareness.