Description
The project aims to diminish social exclusion and inequality of the sexual minority MSM (Men having Sexual relations with Men). The project will have representatives improving accessibility and quality of healthcare services in Riga and its neighborhood. The main project activities involve training of healthcare specialist and volunteers, establishment of a new MSM-friendly physicians' network, creation of an innovative examination and consulting "Check point’’, evaluation of the quality of services provided by the established network, preparation of informative materials and establishment of bilateral relations between Latvian and Norwegian NGOs. The project will be done in cooperation with the Norwegian organisation - NGO "Gay and Lesbian Health Norway". They will participate in all project activities.
Summary of project results
The aim of the Project was to reduce social inequalities and to promote social inclusion of sexual minorities by improving health care accessibility and quality. The target group was men who have sex with men – MSM. The Project was realized in Riga and nearby populated areas. 30 health care specialists were reinforced about specific issues that should be taken into mind when working with MSM and 26 volunteers were trained on the most necessary topics such as basic information about STI and another infectious diseases, communication specificities etc. A Check point was created and during 16 months period visited by MSM 319 times (target group of 255 MSM). During the Project 26 volunteers were involved to work in the Check point and its off-site testing, which took place at 2 nightclubs in Riga every second week. A Gay friendly medical doctor's network was created. In the Network participated GP's, dermatovenerologists, infectologists and narcologists, in total 18 doctors had 72 MSM visits. Several informative materials were produced: Leaflet about gay-friendly doctors; Brochures "Safer than safe, what shall men know in a same sex relationship" and "It happened with you"; Visit cards and Posters for the Check point; two Info-graphics. During the Project period the information from clients about satisfaction with provided services was gathered and analyzed. In general all responses were more positive as negative, meaning that MSM population valued the possibility to check the STI status free of charge and without visiting the health care institution and the knowledge and attitude that was received during visits to the specialists.
Summary of bilateral results
The Project partners from "Gay and Lesbian Health Norway" gave a valuable investment in sharing best practice of provided services in Norway and its operation to participants in two training seminars - in one for volunteers and in one for medical doctors. Norwegian experts inspired the creation of brochure "Safer than Safe, what shall men know in a same sex relationship", which was a translated version of a similar material in Norway.