STAR-STAR, from July 2023, has started with the implementation of the project “Community Mobilization to Mitigate Funding Cuts and Gender Inequality in National HIV Programs for Sex Workers in North Macedonia”, funded by Eurasian Key Populations Coalition (EKPC) in framework of “Gender and HIV” grants.
The project aims to reduce the gender gaps in provision of HIV programs for sex workers and transgender people in North Macedonia due to latest developments in the country related to provision and delivery of HIV prevention services for key populations. The Ministry of Health of North Macedonia reduced 40% of the funds allocated to HIV prevention in the 2022 National HIV Prevention Programme, and additional 40% in 2023, leaving the most marginalised communities extremely vulnerable to HIV.
The project will be conducted in close cooperation with TransFormA – Initiative for Protection and Development of Transgender People’s Rights in the Republic of North Macedonia, as part of the Regional project “Sustainability of services for key populations in the region of Eastern Europe and Central Asia” (SoS_project 2.0), implemented by a consortium of organizations led by the Alliance fir Public Health in partnership with the CO “100% Life”, with financial support from the Global Fund.