The Cupidon Togo Network organized a knowledge-building session on access to services for key populations in the fight against HIV. This workshop, shared on their Facebook page on June 9, 2025, aimed to increase participants’ skills to facilitate access to care, prevention, and psychosocial support.

🎯 Workshop Objectives

Inform community stakeholders about pathways to access services: prevention (PrEP, self-testing), screening, care, treatment, and comprehensive support.

Build the capacity of community leaders and outreach workers to better guide vulnerable populations, including MSM (men who have sex with men), sex workers, transgender people, and drug users.

Promote the exchange of experiences between community stakeholders and healthcare personnel to create a more inclusive environment that respects human rights.

📚 Background and Rationale

This initiative is part of ongoing efforts to combat stigma and promote the inclusion of key populations in Togo. A Stigma Index 2.0 survey revealed that nearly 40% of LGBT+ people avoid seeking health services for fear of being stigmatized.

The Cupid Network, created in 2016, brings together several associations working for the development and health of vulnerable populations, in partnership with initiatives such as USAID, UNAIDS, FHI360, and the CNLS-IST. (reseaucupidontogo.org)

🌍 Expected Results

Better referrals: Community outreach workers able to effectively inform about available services
Reduced stigma: A respectful and inclusive approach with healthcare providers
Strengthened coordination: Synergy between associations and institutions (PNLS, CNLS, etc.)
Strengthened advocacy: Strong arguments for policies more tailored to key populations

🔜 Next Steps

Roll-out: Replication of this workshop in other partner regions/countries.

Monitoring and evaluation: Measuring impact through attendance and satisfaction indicators among key populations.

Advocacy: Promoting institutional recognition for equitable access to services.