Qualitative rapid assessment on barriers to and facilitators of care and treatment services among MARPs in HCMC and Dien Bien

The 2009 IBBS results show that individuals belonging to most-at-risk populations (MARPs) have a high level of HIV/AIDS-related knowledge, but are not practicing safer sexual or risk reduction behaviors.  In addition, their uptake of HIV prevention and HTC services remains low. To gain insight into why some target groups do not use services and/or do not change their risky behaviors, Family Health International is collaborating with ISMS to conduct a rapid assessment. The assessment employs qualitative research methodology to assess the barriers and facilitators to accessing HIV prevention, testing and counseling services among MARPs and to changing HIV risk behaviors. The assessment also aims to identify the service needs of MARPs and to analyze the guidelines and operating procedures of HIV service delivery points.