A new partnership between AHF and the City of Recife, Brazil, is improving the prevention of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) for at-risk populations through the “Let’s Protect Ourselves” campaign! The joint venture has placed ten AHF-funded condom kiosks at Recife hotspots citywide, such as public markets and bus stations. The kiosks hold 7,200 condoms each and are replenished weekly.
Rampant STI infections, especially syphilis, have plagued Recife for many years, and public and private STI clinics exclude some people due to stigma and lack of coordination. AHF Brazil tackled the issue head-on in 2018 by signing an MOU with the city to expand HIV testing and treatment retention.
“The kiosks help decrease stigma and discrimination by providing unlimited and unquestioned access to female and male condoms in highly-trafficked areas,” said Beto de Jesus, Country Program Manager for AHF Brazil. “After years of discussion, Brazil’s public health system and NGOs concluded that condoms must be available where people live their routines to guarantee quick access. We’re proud to sponsor the kiosks in Recife, which help overcome barriers that harm LGBTQIAP+ and other populations disproportionately affected by HIV.”
The condom kiosk pilot project is the most recent initiative in Recife, where AHF serves more than 18,000 patients at eight locations in partnership with the local public health system.
Past milestones include opening the first AHF wellness center in Brazil in 2018 – the Men’s Clinic – to treat cis and trans men for STIs, including HIV. More than 20,000 patients currently receive medical care at the clinic. Last year, AHF started distributing antiretroviral medicines to people diagnosed with HIV at the Men’s Clinic in Recife, a first for any NGO in Brazil.
