Benin

With the Joint Team’s support, Benin continues to improve access to HIV prevention, testing, treatment and social protection services for vulnerable and key populations. A total of 5349 people, including adolescents, young people, men who have sex with men and transgender persons accessed HIV, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), hepatitis B, and breast and cervical cancer screening and 213 people who tested positive for HIV, hepatitis B or STIs were linked to treatment services, thanks to collaborations with various key civil society partners, including the national network of LGBTI persons, Bénin Synergie Plus. Additionally, 1058 young people improved their knowledge of HIV, STIs, unintended pregnancy, contraceptive methods, and sexual and reproductive health and rights through sensitization sessions organizations organized on university campuses (UNFPA).

Prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV (PMTCT) and HIV testing services improved thanks to sensitization and capacity building initiatives. For instance, 63 midwives and nurses received training on the delivery of HIV self-testing services for partners of pregnant women (WHO). Newly created community networks and learning centres for partners of pregnant and lactating women promoted good practices and PMTCT services in Alibori and Borgou departments (UNICEF). As a result of training workshops, a total of 152 doctors, paramedics, medical biologists and departmental HIV focal persons are also better equipped to provide various services, including HIV and STI treatment, viral load sampling and therapeutic education (WHO).

In Couffo and Mono departments, 76 people living with HIV, predominantly women received skill building training and agricultural inputs improving their livelihoods, adherence to treatment and health outcomes (WFP). In collaboration with the Ministry of Social Affairs and as part of the Education Plus initiative, 118 girls living with HIV received financial support to help them complete their secondary education, and towards achieving gender equality in the country (UNAIDS Secretariat).