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Reaching MSM in Morocco: Harnessing ICT Solutions

This study by Karkouri et al. explores using ICT to reach MSM in Morocco due to a concentrated HIV epidemic among key populations. The Association de Lutte Contre le Sida in Morocco aims to leverage technology for targeted interventions.

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Reaching MSM in Morocco: Harnessing ICT Solutions

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  1. THSY10

    Using ICT solutions to reach MSM in Morocco

    M. Karkouri, M. Harri, O. Mellouk, H. Himmich Association de Lutte Contre le Sida, Morocco
  2. The Context Low HIV overall prevalence but concentrated epidemic among Key Populations (MSM) Homosexuality is illegal in Morocco by Law 489 (6m to 3y prison and/or 12 to 120 $ fine) Homophobia and high level of stigma, violence, police harassment Development and diffusion of ICT (mobile phones, internet)  lesser recourse to cruising areas
  3. The MSM Program of ALCS ALCS : Community-based organization (1988) with extensive experience working with MSM in Morocco MSM Outreach Prevention Program (since 1993) (Gov't approved): Prevention sessions on cruising areas and in-house Condom/lube access Information on HIV, AIDS and STIs Self-esteem improvement Psychosocial support and income-generating activities Coverage limited to major urban centers
  4. The Intervention Creation of a profile "Pleasure & Health" on the most popular gay sites (Gayromeo, NRJChat) A standard message is sent to users explaining the purpose of our presence and offering to further chat Interested persons are invited to switch to "msn" instant messaging Conversations are recorded and FAQ are noted in a database allowing very quick answers ("Copy and paste")
  5. The Services Education and information about HIV, AIDS and STIs Tailored counseling sessions on sexual practices Discussion about safer sex practices Reference to HIV Testing and Couseling sites Promotion of the HIV Hotline Information on psychological support and other services offered to PLHIV Safe space to talk about homosexuality
  6. The Sexual and Reproductive Health SMS Platform "Bilaharaje" ("Be comfortable to ask") program Partnership : ALCS – OneWorldUK – Butterfly Works SMS Plateform (started 2011) hosted by ALCS "On t’écoute" ("We are listening to you") live free talk show airing weekly for two hours with a sexologist answering questions from young people (telephone calls, e-mail, Facebook)
  7. The Results
  8. The Results Most populartopics Referrals and orientation Living with HIV MarrakeshMen's HealthClinic Family & Society ALCS' website Prevention Hotline Religion Stigma & Discr. Sexual practices HIV Testing & Couns.
  9. The Results Most populartopics Referrals and orientation Living with HIV MarrakeshMen's HealthClinic Family & Society ALCS' website Prevention Hotline Religion Stigma & Discr. Sexual practices HIV Testing & Couns.
  10. The Lessons learned High acceptability (low rate of decline) Lowcost of operations Safety (for service providers and clients) Safe space to talk freely about sexual practices (no face-to-face bias) Opportunity to scale up service provision Referral to services more effective
  11. The way forward Formal evaluation of the program needed (change of behaviors) Scale up of the service provision More extensive research to harness the potential of ICT solutions for targeting MSM
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