Strategies for Engaging African Immigrants in HIV Prevention, Screening and Linkage to Care Services

African immigrants constitute a highly diverse and rapidly growing group in the United States that is disproportionate impact by HIV/AIDS.  Barriers for engagement in services for African immigrants include stigma, cultural differences, fear of immigration and lack of awareness.  This training will discuss how cultural and social factors influence the ways African immigrants are at risk for and engage in HIV services.  In addition to exploring the barriers, presenters will discuss strategies for providing effective HIV prevention, screening and linkage to care services.  Examples will be provided based on the experience of providers in Massachusetts.

This training is for frontline staff who work in primary care settings or HIV clinics and community based organizations, including community health workers, coordinators, case managers and HIV testers.

Objectives:

1.  Describe the current HIV/AIDS epidemiological and behavioral risk trends for African immigrants in Maryland at risk for or living with HIV/AIDS.

2.  Define and integrate tenets of cultural competency in programming, practices and policy.

3.  Identify common challenges African immigrant clients' experience in engaging in HIV prevention and screening services.

4.  Understand how to incorporate social and cultural understandings in HIV prevention, screening and linkage to care strategies.

5.  Share successes and challenges in establishing HIV services for African immigrants in Massachusetts.