Improving HIV testing for men and linkage to services through faith platforms

Overview

Across many countries, faith based organizations (FBOs) operate a significant proportion of health facilities and possess trusted networks that extend deep into communities. Their relationship capital, cultural understanding, and influence within families and communities make them influential actors in engaging men and other populations with integrated health services including HIV.

This technical brief describes promising models that demonstrate how FBOs could contribute to expanded access to improved HIV and other services for men. These models incorporate a range of WHO-recommended interventions and highlights operational considerations and key success factors. By capitalizing on their strengths, FBOs can potentially serve as useful platforms for engaging men and other priority populations, promoting greater demand, uptake, and retention in care.