As we move into 2025, it’s an opportune time to reflect on the achievements and lessons learned in the fight against HIV in Suriname during last year, 2024. For Stg. Building Bridges…Saving Lives, 2024 was a year of sustained commitment and renewed efforts, especially in our communities in Meerzorg, Commewijne, and in key areas with vulnerable populations.

Focus on Vulnerable Populations: An Unwavering Commitment

In 2024, our initiatives continued to place a special emphasis on migrant populations, women, girls, sex workers, and LGBTQ+ individuals. We recognize that these groups often face multiple barriers, including stigma, discrimination, and lack of access to essential health services.

The “Help Us, Help You” project, active in Paramaribo and Albina, was a fundamental pillar in 2024. It allowed us to:

Document cases of GBV and Human Rights violations: Through weekly outreach sessions, we recorded incidents affecting migrant women and transgender individuals, laying the groundwork for more effective intervention. This documentation is crucial for understanding the magnitude of the problem and advocating for protection policies.
Strengthen partnerships: Our close collaboration with partner NGOs was vital, enabling mutual referrals and a more comprehensive approach to addressing the multifaceted challenges faced by individuals in need.
Active social media campaign: We maintained a vibrant digital campaign, disseminating information weekly on the importance of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR), GBV, and Human Rights. This not only raised awareness but also fostered a supportive online community.
Crisis hotline: The direct hotline and WhatsApp option, accessible through social media platforms, ensured immediate and confidential assistance for those in distress.
Innovative informational materials: We created clear and concise infographics on how to stay safe, support GBV survivors, and navigate pathways to seek legal assistance. These materials were widely shared, extending our reach.

Training and Empowerment: “Knowledge is Power, Know Your Rights!”

2024 was also a key year for the implementation of the “Knowledge is Power, Know Your Rights!” project. Recognizing that legal knowledge is a powerful tool, we focused on:

Increasing the legal capacity of migrant women: Despite financial challenges, this initiative was crucial. We offered educational sessions led by legal experts, providing practical insights into navigating legal systems and accessing support services.
Multilingual information dissemination: Online campaigns and face-to-face sessions were designed to reach diverse communities, ensuring information was available in relevant languages for migrant women.
Advocacy for legal reforms: The project produced a policy brief to advocate for legal changes that better protect the rights of migrant women and transgender individuals.
Multimedia resources: We developed e-posters, videos, and podcasts that made information on human rights, GBV, and migration more accessible and engaging.

Lessons Learned and Looking Forward

2024 reaffirmed the importance of adaptability and collaboration for us. Resource limitations forced us to be more creative and maximize the impact of each initiative. We also highlighted the power of digital platforms to reach remote and stigmatized populations, complementing vital in-person work.

Every documented case, every training session, and every message shared in 2024 brought us closer to a more just and safer Suriname. These experiences from last year are the foundation upon which we build our strategies for 2025, with an even greater commitment to leaving no one behind in the fight for the rights and well-being of people living with HIV and other vulnerable populations.