HIV Services for Fisherfolk in Sierra Leone: A Formative Assessment of Barriers, Opportunities, and Community Preferences

We conducted a formative assessment at two landing sites, using surveys and focus group discussions with 113 fisherfolk, including fishermen, fishmongers, fish traders, fish processors and community members, along with 17 interviews with MoH staff, fishermen union consortium, and health providers. This assessment highlights a disconnect between risk behaviors and risk perception, and a lack of access to essential HIV services. To improve uptake and outcomes, it is critical to engage fisherfolk in designing community-based, differentiated HIV service delivery strategies.