|
Sudan
A total of 75 741 people from vulnerable and key populations in targeted states accessed HIV prevention service packages, of whom 68 047 were tested for HIV and 22 456 had screenings for sexually transmitted infections; over 720 000 condoms were also distributed during these outreach initiatives. Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) medicines were secured for survivors of gender-based violence accessing health services (UNFPA).
New standardized operating procedures for service delivery in antiretroviral treatment (ART) centres were introduced through the “Integrated management of adults and adolescents’ illness” (IMAI) training packages as well as mentoring and supervision activities. This improved triage as well as tracking and appointment systems in the respective centres (UNAIDS Secretariat). More than 100 healthcare providers dispensing ART also improved their knowledge of the latest treatment guidelines, recording and reporting tools. The “search and rescue” campaign implemented in two ART centres in Khartoum strengthened tracking of lost-to-follow-up people living with HIV and subsequent linkage to treatment services (WHO).
As part of the Positive Health, Dignity and Prevention (PHDP) initiative, 4530 people living with or affected by HIV were sensitized on various issues, including HIV prevention, sexual and reproductive health and psychological support; 1995 people of them received HIV testing and those who tested HIV positive (65) were linked to treatment. Through this initiative, 3268 people accessed STI services; 2900 obtained information on family planning methods; and 12 153 condoms were also distributed during the outreach sessions (UNFPA). The Sudanese People Living with HIV Association (SPCA) conducted around 250 outreach sessions led by trained people living with HIV peer educators in 18 states, thanks to the financial and technical support from the Joint Team (UNFPA).
A formative study on the risk factors associated with transmission of HIV, hepatitis B and C, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and tuberculosis among prisoners and prison staff in five selected prisons in Khartoum provided not only a complete overview over available health services, but also a general assessment of drug abuse in these settings as well as associated risk factors (e.g., communicable diseases). Prison health services were further strengthened thanks to the implementation of a comprehensive prison health service package; procurement of 700 rapid HIV antibody, dual HIV/syphilis, hepatitis C, and pregnancy test kits as well as personal protective equipment and hygiene products for prison clinics. Training of 20 physicians and paramedics on prison health service delivery and 50 counsellors on pre- and post-HIV test counselling and during treatment led to increased numbers of tests being administered – 1234 prison inmates (234 women) were screened for HIV, hepatitis B and C, of whom 90 people tested positive for hepatis B (UNODC).
A total of 50 healthcare providers, including midwives working in refugee camps improved their skills on the delivery of prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV (PMTCT) services. Hence, 229 pregnant women in refugee camps were tested for HIV and one pregnant mother who tested HIV positive was referred to treatment service (UNICEF).
The new National Action Plan on gender-based violence will strengthen multisectoral coordination and access to healthcare, psychosocial support, and legal services for survivors of violence in Sudan, including in humanitarian and emergency situations (UNDP, UNFPA).