Frontiers Prevention Project (FPP)

FPP was based on a theory of change that involved ensuring an environment in which prevention was feasible, and adequate services (STI clinics, drop-in centres) and commodities (condoms, lubricants, STI treatment) for prevention were available for KPs. KP empowerment was believed to improve prevention worker access to the KP, as well as KP access to and utilisation of prevention services. The theory was that, in turn, risky behaviour and STI prevalence would decrease, and subsequently, there would be a reduction in HIV incidence among KPs and in the broader community. According to organisers, KPs were involved in programme planning, and dissemination was intended to increase community ownership of the programme and, thus, its sustainability after the FPP finished.

FPP is carried out by 14 non-governmental organisations (NGOs) at 26 sites in 9 districts across the Rayalseema and Telengana regions of AP. Project-operated STI clinics were set up at all sites, and the medical officers were trained in syndromic case management and basic AIDS care. The services FPP provides include STI services, behaviour change communication, condom programmes, community mobilisation, and enabling and structural interventions. In addition, there is an emphasis on social capital building, network and support formation, empowerment, violence reduction, referrals for HIV testing, and basic AIDS care services.

For instance, community, mobilisation, social capital building, and community-led structural interventions (CLSI) being carried out as part of FPP include: participatory site assessments; collectivisation, promoting mutual support, networks, and solidarity (social capital) among KPs and leadership training for KPs; KP-led enabling environment activities based on respect, recognition, and reliance (3-R approach); KP-led risk reduction skills building activities; capacity building of KPs to address structural determinants of inequality, marginalisation, and vulnerability (including violence reduction); collective mobilisation of KPs to influence and inform the policy environment through multi-tier advocacy and creation of a supportive environment; initiatives with gatekeepers to build support for risk reduction in KPs; provision of safe spaces for KPs to meet, bond, and work together; and strengthening NGO capacity to work with KPs.

To cite just a few concrete examples of specific interventions for community mobilisation - specifically, as part of the behaviour change communication component - developed by Alliance's NGO partners as part of FPP: capacity building for peer education and other outreach strategies; using KP-specific cultural- and gender-sensitive information, education, and communication (IEC) materials and strategies delivered through multiple channels, including folk arts and folk media; and promotion and skills building for negotiating safer sex and using condoms and lubricants.

HIV/AIDS.

India has an estimated 2.0 million to 3.1 million people living with HIV; it has the highest number of HIV-positive people in Asia and ranks third in the world.