HIV/AIDS migrant awareness campaign

Building Bridges, Leaving No One Behind: Empowering Migrant Communities in the Fight Against HIV/AIDS

At SBBSL, we’re incredibly proud of the success of our “Building Bridges…Leaving No One Behind: HIV/AIDS Migrant Awareness Campaign.” This vital initiative, made possible by the generous funding from UNAIDS, allowed us to organize and execute three impactful capacity-building and HIV awareness sessions, directly reaching vulnerable migrant communities in Suriname.

We strategically held these sessions in Paramaribo (Central), Albina, and Paramaribo (Wanica). These locations were chosen specifically to connect with migrants where they live and work, ensuring maximum reach and accessibility. The sessions covered a broad spectrum of crucial topics, including overall capacity building, up-to-date HIV information, proper condom use, the critical importance of knowing one’s HIV status, medication adherence for those living with HIV, and how to access essential support services.

To ensure truly effective communication and engagement, all sessions were conducted in both Spanish and Haitian Creole. This linguistic inclusivity was paramount, allowing us to cater to the diverse backgrounds within our target population. Our focused audience included migrants from Spanish and Haitian Creole-speaking communities, with a particular emphasis on sex workers, men who have sex with men (MSM), transgender individuals, and people living with HIV (PLWHIV).

Overall, this campaign was a resounding success in raising awareness about HIV/AIDS among migrant communities. We provided essential information and resources that promote both prevention and care, equipping individuals with the tools they need to stay healthy. By fostering a supportive and inclusive environment, we aimed to empower migrants with the knowledge and skills necessary to protect themselves and their communities from HIV/AIDS. More than that, we actively worked to reduce the pervasive stigma surrounding the disease, encouraging open conversations and greater understanding.

This project truly embodied its name, “Building Bridges.” We’re not just sharing information; we’re creating connections, fostering trust, and ensuring that no one is left behind in the ongoing fight against HIV/AIDS in Suriname.