Liberia

The Joint Team in Liberia continued its support to expand prevention and testing services for key and vulnerable populations. In 2022, Liberia integrated pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) in the national treatment guidelines, and PrEP services were introduced for key populations thanks to the advocacy and support from the Joint Team, reaching 2298 people across four PEPFAR-supported counties (UNAIDS Secretariat). More than 73 719 condoms and lubricants were distributed, and condom dispensers in 65 hotspots were restocked increasing access to prevention commodities among vulnerable and key populations (UNFPA).

In Tubmanburg city and Montserrado county, a total of 1066 people including students, out-of-school young people, community leaders, traders and artisans were sensitized on HIV prevention (UNESCO). Umbrella organizations of key populations were capacitated and supported in implementing community-led differentiated services. For instance, 22 285 young people who use drugs were sensitized on HIV and STI prevention, treatment and harm reduction services, of whom 3195 were tested for HIV and 52 young people who tested positive were referred to HIV and opportunistic infection treatment services; 4992 people received counselling on HIV and STI treatment as well as treatment for minor illnesses; and 4391 were vaccinated for COVID-19. A total of 1264 men who have sex with men were also reached by community awareness programmes and 434 were tested for HIV, of whom 12 people tested positive for HIV and linked to treatment while 187 people accessed PrEP services (UNFPA). Furthermore, a national roadmap for community-led monitoring was developed and rolled out to strengthen community-led monitoring in Liberia, thanks to the support provided to the network of people living with HIV and other community groups (UNAIDS Secretariat).