|
Uruguay
In Uruguay, the Joint Team supported activities aimed at building capacity and generating strategic evidence to strengthen the national HIV response. The State Health Services Administration approved the inclusion of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) in the recommended antiretroviral treatment in all public healthcare services following a successful joint advocacy by civil society, UDELAR Faculty of Medicine and the Joint Team. In addition, over 150 healthcare professionals improved their skills in delivering combination HIV prevention services, including pre- and post-exposure prophylaxis through a virtual training (UNFPA, UNAIDS Secretariat). In partnership with the Municipality of Montevideo, 43 healthcare providers also strengthened their understanding of the barriers to healthcare among sex workers to improve access and quality of care among female, male and transgender sex workers in the capital city (UNFPA, UNAIDS Secretariat).
A total of 80 health professionals from the National Health System received training on implementing adolescent health services within the framework of the integrated National Health System while 200 health professionals working with adolescents completed a training to develop their skills in addressing sexual diversity in childhood and adolescence (UNFPA, WHO). To further improve the delivery adolescents and youth friendly services, critical evidence for the HIV response among adolescents was generated through the National Survey on Sexual Behaviours and Health involving people aged 18-59 years and other research (UNFPA, WHO, UNAIDS Secretariat). Evidence from the study on the sexuality of Uruguayan adolescents in digital environments also informed advocacy for the implementation of comprehensive sexuality education in the formal education system. In addition, a website was launched with information, tools and tips on sexual and reproductive health and HIV for adolescents, professionals and family members (UNFPA, UNESCO).
Strategic evidence for the HIV response and advocacy for human right protection of people living with HIV was strengthened through significant contributions from civil society organizations, academia and the Joint Team. For example, the study on the right of women living with HIV to motherhood captured the experiences of 50 women living with HIV during pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum period. The evidence was used to launch a social media campaign with key messages on sexual and reproductive health, timely access to treatment and prevention of vertical transmission as well as update the support guide on pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum for women living with HIV. A study on the human rights of lesbian women from socially disadvantaged groups and a situation analysis of older gay men in Montevideo carried out by the Municipality of Montevideo led to the development of evidence-based local policies to protect the rights of people from the LGBTI community (UNFPA, UNAIDS Secretariat). Furthermore, over 35 women leaders of networks are now better equipped to promote gender equality, sexual and reproductive health and rights as well as to address gender-based violence among most vulnerable populations through trainings supported by the Joint Team (UNFPA, UNAIDS Secretariat).
As part of efforts to leave no one behind, 41 soup kitchens served 40 000 portions of food per week in Cuenca de Casavalle and Los Bulevares neighbourhoods during the COVID-19 recovery period through a collaboration with three civil society organizations and the Municipality of Montevideo (UNFPA).