Guatemala (2012): Assessment of Quality of Service Provision to Most-at-Risk Population by Private Sector Providers in Central America

In Central America, HIV/AIDS is remains concentrated among most-at-risk populations (MARPs), primarily in and around networks of men who have sex with men (MSM), transgender populations, male and female sex workers (SW), and certain mobile and ethnic groups (e.g., migrants, uniformed services, individuals of Afro-Caribbean descent). A USAID-funded HIV Combination Prevention Program for MARPs in Central America and Mexico is being implemented by PSI/PASMO, together with partners IPPF/WHR, Cicatelli Associates and Milk'An Cookies in the period 2010-15, which aims to i) reduce prevalence of high-risk behaviors among MARPs and people living with HIV, ii) decrease homophobia, stigma and discrimination related to sexual orientation, occupation or HIV status, iii) increase access by MARPs to a minimum package of essential health services, and iv) use strategic information to design or modify prevention activities. As part of the Program, we plan to assess the quality of service provision to MARPs at health facilities participating in the program with the goal of ensuring that these populations receive high-quality care, free of stigma and discrimination . Our descriptive study will use mystery clients to collect data. Our findings will provide guidance to participating facilities on improving services to MARPs.