Funded by USAID, the KP-STAR project brings together local and international stakeholders to scale up clinical and community-based services for key and vulnerable populations in Namibia. The goal of the KP-STAR project is to strengthen HIV prevention for KPs and other HIV KP programs. The project further aims to scale-up innovative, evidence-based approaches to reduce the incidence and mitigate the impact of HIV among KPs.

 

Project objectives include:

• Increase demand for and access to comprehensive HIV prevention and treatment services and interventions for KPs and Men Who Purchase Sex (MWPS);

• Strengthen the capacity and sustainability of KP-led CSOs and other key stakeholders to advocate for and implement KP-focused HIV activities;

• Strengthen data management systems for planning, monitoring, use, and assuring the quality of KP and MWPS HIV programs.

 

KP-STAR is implemented in ten priority geographic areas (PGAs) with concentrated pockets of KPs namely Gobabis, Swakopmund, Walvis Bay, Oshakati, Rundu, Katima Mulilo, Oshikango, Keetmanshoop and Otjiwarongo. The project is implemented by a consortium of partners including IntraHealth Namibia (Prime Recipient), IntraHealth International, Walvis Bay Corridor Group (WBCG), and KP-led CSOs Rights not Rescue Trust (RnRT), Society for Women Empowerment (SWE), Men Power community Trust (MPOWER) and Harmony for All Movement (HAM).

 

Since the start of its implementation in April 2020, the project has rapidly supported the Ministry of Health and Social Services to close the treatment coverage gap among Key Populations (KPs), specifically Female Sex Workers (FSWs), Men having Sex with Men (MSM), and Transgender (TG) individuals.

 

Key Results (April 2020 – September 2023):

• Over 4306 KPs were tested HIV positive, with 4262 of them initiated on ART treatment

• Of those who were on HIV treatment, 98% percent had their viral load suppressed

• Over 14324 KPs were initiated on Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP)