IOM is launching a new programme aimed at increasing HIV/AIDS
awareness among vulnerable populations and de-stigmatizing HIV in
Somalia.

The programme, which is funded through UNICEF by the Global Fund
to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, will be carried out in
Somaliland, Puntland and South Central Somalia in partnership with
UNICEF, the three AIDS commissions in Somalia, and local
partners.

As part of the USD 1.7 million programme, community awareness
and stigma reduction activities will be carried out to reduce the
incidence of HIV among key populations at higher risk of infection,
including vulnerable women, truck drivers, khat and tea sellers,
uniformed services, internally displaced people (IDPs), migrants,
and at-risk youth.

The programme will target transit areas associated with
increased HIV risk behaviour, such as truck stops, ports, and
border areas.

IOM will also provide grants to local non-governmental
organizations to expand their capacity to coordinate services and
respond to HIV and AIDS. The adult HIV prevalence in Somalia is
estimated at around one percent.

"During the past two years, IOM has completed innovative and
groundbreaking research in close partnership with the Somali AIDS
Commissions, UN, and local partners. Together we have provided
documentation that has led to a substantial reshaping of the
national response towards key population groups," said Ashraf El
Nour, the Regional Representative for IOM in East and Central
Africa.

The programme is the result of a two-year research phase carried
out by IOM in partnership with UNAIDS, WHO, UNDP, UNICEF, and the
Somali AIDS Commissions in identifying the needs of those groups at
higher risk of HIV infection.

For more information contact:

Kelsi Kriitmaa

Health Programme Officer

IOM Nairobi

Tel: 254 20 444 4174 x160

E-mail: "mailto:kkriitmaa@iom.int">kkriitmaa@iom.int

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