Development Initiatives International
Background of MAVAP
Established in 2004, MAVAP is an initiative that addresses HIV/STI sensitization, testing, treatment, care and support needs of market vendors. The project serves a population of 112,700 vendors and 300,000 customers who visit the targeted St. Balikuddembe, Park Yard, Nakawa, Katwe, Nateete, Nakasero, Nakulabye, Kamwokya, Wandegeya, Bugolobi, Kitintale, Nalukolongo, Bwaise, Kansanga and Mukono markets daily
Objectives Of MAVAP
- To promote safer sexual behavior for 80% of the beneficiary community
- Provide HIV/STI counseling and testing services for 30% of the market community.
- Enhanced capacity for market leaders and self help groups to implement project activities
- Enhanced capacity for DII and UMVA to deliver services to the informal sector community
- Increased access to treatment and care for 4,000 PHAs.
MAVAP Achievements
- 80% of the market community has accessed HIV/STI information through behavior change model groups, peer-peer education, Information Education and Communication materials and community radios.
- As of December 2012, 138,021 vendors had accessed VCT services. 37.6% of these were tested in market based clinic while 62.4% were tested through mass HCT outreaches carried out in partnership with Uganda Cares and AIDS Information Centre (AIC).
- 3,729 (2.7%) of the clients tested were found HIV positive and referred to Uganda Cares for treatment of opportunistic infections, ART, care and support.
- 14,218 vendors had tested for STIs by the end of December 2012. 7.15% of all tested were found STI reactive and received comprehensive treatment in MAVAP’s market clinics.
- In order to build the capacity of peer educators to effectively deliver HIV information and mobilize the communities to access health services, the project developed a robust capacity building program. MAVAP supported empowered community resource persons to establish CBOs, including that of the PLHIV. By the end of 2012, 4 CBOs had been formed and were enthusiastically involved in mass sensitization and mobilization activities to supplement MAVAP’s work.
- 144 school going child vendors provided with scholastic materials every academic term
- 17 children enrolled in vocational training institutions
- 180 OVC trained in life skills, basic health care, business management and careers guidance
