E.Qu.A.S. – Equity, Quality, Access to Health

The E.Qu.A.S. project – funded by the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation under the 5% Global Fund mechanism – aims to strengthen the health of vulnerable populations living with HIV by improving access to more equitable and integrated healthcare services within the catchment area of seven health centres (Manga Chingussura, Beira, Matola II, Machava, Zimpeto, Centro para Criança, Quelimane) located in the provinces of Maputo Province, Maputo City, Sofala and Zambézia.

The initiative has a particular focus on young people, with the goal of making access to healthcare services easier and more appropriate for adolescents and youth.

Over its 24-month implementation period, the project will include training for healthcare and social-health personnel, an HIV awareness and testing campaign, supervision by local authorities, assessments of HIV services in the seven health centres, and care, treatment and diagnostic activities for children, adolescents and young people living with HIV.

In particular, through E.Qu.A.S.:

• 140 staff members working in the seven health centres, identified in collaboration with the local partner DREAM Associação, will be trained on psychosocial support for people living with HIV, differentiated HIV services, and the management of violence cases at health facility level. This intervention is part of a broader international and governmental framework aimed at improving HIV services through a more inclusive approach for all population groups.

• 5,000 adolescents and young people aged 15–24 living in the areas of Quelimane, Beira and Maputo will be tested for HIV through a comprehensive 18-month campaign. The campaign will involve local associations, institutions and young people in its planning and implementation, as well as influencers and so-called mentors, in order to reach the widest possible number of adolescents and youth of both sexes.

• Three health centres in Maputo, Manga Chingussura (Beira) and Quelimane will be supported through targeted psychosocial support activities (teen clubs, support groups for men, “Keep in School” activities for girls with and without HIV, and differentiated ART services), benefiting approximately 14,000 people on ART.