HIV Prevention and Care Engagement in Nepal

Sweekar - Multi-level Intersectional Stigma Reduction Intervention to Increase HIV Testing and Care Engagement in Nepal

This intervention focuses on increasing HIV testing, HIV medication adherence and reducing intersectional stigma. Our Sweekar intervention will implement 5 months of group-based activities to address the social stigma and HIV prevention and care needs.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. aged 18 years old or older
2. identify as transgender, hijra, Meti, third gender or anything other than a gender typically associated with a male assigned sex at birth
3. live in the Terai highway district Madesh Province
4. Maithili- or Nepali-speaking
5. Willing to be part of the study for 6 months
6. Willing to travel, if needed, to participate in group sessions

For those who test HIV negative:

1. Willing to self-test
2. Have or willing to have a mobile phone
3. Not HIV tested within the last 3 months

For those who test HIV positive:

(a) screen positive for HIV treatment non-adherence by self-report

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Cannot or will not consent to the research,
2. Female sex assigned at birth,
3. Self-identify as a man
4. Do not speak Maithli or Nepali
5. Age under 18 -