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Jamaica
In 2022, the Joint Team supported Jamaica in scaling up HIV prevention services among young people as well as vulnerable and key populations. A new national action plan for HIV prevention among adolescents and youth was developed to expand comprehensive HIV prevention and sexual and reproductive health services among this group through the delivery of integrated and innovative programmes, including life skills education, pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), and HIV self-testing through active participation of 50 adolescents and young people, including people from the LGBTI community (UNICEF). A total of 3000 HIV self-testing kits were procured with financial support from the Joint Team to access to HIV testing services in the country (WHO). In addition, a minimum initial service package for sexual and reproductive health (MISP) in humanitarian crises readiness assessment was conducted and will provide the foundation for the integration of sexual and reproductive health and HIV services into disaster risk reduction and management (UNFPA).
In light of the high rates of HIV among transgender women in Jamaica, a Transgender Health & Wellness Conference increased knowledge and awareness about the healthcare needs of transgender people among relevant stakeholders in the country, and a referral system was developed for service providers to better respond to those needs. The newly revised Jamaica Community Mental Health Handbook for Practitioners and Mental Health Guide for LGBTI Jamaicans produced by Equality for All Foundation Jamaica Limited and the related capacity building of psychologists will help to improve mental health and wellbeing of non-binary persons (UNFPA).
A pilot peer support programme led by youth peer ambassadors improved adherence to treatment and retention among adolescents living with HIV in two antiretroviral sites in Kingston and St Catherine cities (UNICEF). A total of 75 vulnerable people, including people living with HIV were sensitized on mental health, positive living, Monkey Pox and COVID-19 prevention and vaccines, social protection and support services through a health and wellness fair supported by the Joint Team (UNDP).