HealthRight and Amkeni Malindi in Kenya (2019)

This past July, Dr. Peter Navario presented at the International AIDS Society 2021 Conference on the “Interim feasibility results of a pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) delivery demonstration project among male sex workers in Malindi, Kenya.”

Despite overwhelming scientific evidence supporting use of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV prevention, the reality of providing PrEP and ensuring adherence remain a challenge for highly marginalized persons in resource poor settings. In partnership with New York University and Amkeni Malindi, HealthRight conducted a study to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of a peer-driven, community-based PrEP program for male sex workers (MSWs) in Malindi, Kenya.

In a 15-month demonstration project with 200 participants, concerns about PrEP included long-term health effects, side effects, and daily adherence. Despite these concerns, over 90% of participants returned as scheduled to obtain PrEP refills and self-reported adherence was reported by over 80% of participants.

Among the findings, employing a peer leader model to engage MSW proved critical to recruiting, enrolling, and retaining MSW. Additionally, working with a local and well-established LGBTQIA organization significantly facilitate adoption of HIV prevention among male sex workers. These findings will be used to scale-up community-based PrEP delivery and sexual health services to MSW in Malindi, Kenya.

Click here to read more about the findings of the study that were presented during the conference.