FIKIA+ Project – HIV Service Delivery in Fishing and Mining Communities
This project’s objective is to support the identification, linkage, and re-engagement of people living with HIV (PLHIV) and at-risk populations in fishing and mining communities by creating demand for HIV prevention services, promoting ART adherence, and fostering HIV treatment literacy.
Project Overview
HACOCA has been sub-contracted under the FIKIA+ Project, led by ICAP and through Dr. Julie Franks program, to implement key activities across the fishing and mining communities in Mwanza and Geita regions. The project focuses on identifying gaps in HIV testing and treatment services and addressing them through targeted community outreach. HACOCA’s role involves demand creation for HIV services, working closely with regional and district-level healthcare teams, beach management units (BMUs), and mining management units (MMUs).
HACOCA conducts demand creation events aimed at promoting HIV prevention services, including HIV Testing Services (HTS), Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP), Voluntary Medical Male Circumcision (VMMC), and screening for tuberculosis (TB) and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). The organization also coordinates peer support groups among PLHIV, facilitating access to ART, providing adherence support, and encouraging viral load suppression through treatment literacy programs. HACOCA’s community outreach model focuses on re-engaging PLHIV who have missed ART appointments and ensuring they return to care.