Celebrating the achievements of the Frontiers Prevention Project in Madagascar
15 December 2006
The Frontiers Prevention Project has come to a close after four years in Madagascar with a dynamic celebration in the capital Antananarivo. People from key populations who participated in the project – sex workers, people with HIV, men who have sex with men, and transgendered people – showcased their work and shared their successes.
Alliance Madagascar worked closely with partner associations, as well as FIMIZORE (the national network of sex workers) and FIFAFI (the national network of people living with HIV), to organise the event. National authorities, partners and the public turned up to view the impressive range of activities that the project has implemented. Associations also displayed innovative training, information, education and communication materials. These challenge the usual approach in HIV prevention work to condom distribution and mass awareness campaigns by including participatory needs assessment by and for sex workers, rights-based advocacy for marginalised populations, capacity building for HIV prevention among sex workers organisations and facilitation of access to services for key populations.
The celebration made sure it raised awareness of stigma, which remains strongly present in Madagascar against vulnerable groups.
Partners from Antananarivo, Antsiranana, Nosy-Be, Toamasina, Antsirabe, Fianarantsosa, Toliara, Ste Marie and Toalagnaro acknowledged the support of the Alliance, as well as that of local and national authorities. They stressed the need to continue work with marginalised groups, their communities and service providers in reducing their vulnerability to HIV and AIDS.
An impressive range of performances, including traditional performances by members of partner organisations and local artists, closed the day.
