Since April 2005, Colectivo Sol, with the support of GSK Positive Action Programme and the International HIV/AIDS Alliance, has been successfully implementing Vida Digna (Life with Dignity). This is a project to reduce HIV/AIDS related stigma and discrimination towards key populations, including people living with HIV/AIDS, sex workers, men who have sex with men, transgender people, and intravenous drug users.
Vida Digna was implemented by 13 organisations in five cities – Aguascalientes, Leon, Irapuato, Queretaro and San Luis Potosi- with co-ordination and technical support from Colectivo Sol.
An external evaluation of the first three years of Vida Digna showed that the project achieved changes in policies and programmes, and strengthened the capacity of civil society organisations, which contributed to the reduction of stigma and discrimination towards key populations.
Michael Joyner, Director of HIV & AIDS Programmes for GSK’s Positive Action, said: ‘As a donor this is the kind of result you hope to achieve so we are very proud to have partnered with the Alliance and Colectivo Sol on Vida Digna in Mexico and hope for similar success in El Salvador’.
The purpose of this 12 month project will be to increase the access for key populations to improved comprehensive HIV services free from stigma and discrimination in El Salvador. As a successful project is taken from one country to another, the Alliance will ensure that lessons are captured and shared more widely in Central America.