PSYCHOSOCIAL SUPPORT

In Morocco, the Integrated National Strategic Plan to Fight AIDS, Sexually Transmitted Infections and Viral Hepatitis (PSNI) 2024-2030, aims to accelerate the response for universal access to HIV prevention, treatment, care and support services with a view to ending the AIDS epidemic in 2030.

HIV prevalence remains low and stable in the population, characterizing a low-intensity epidemic. However, the epidemic is concentrated in key populations, with heterogeneous geographical distribution.

The National Psychosocial Support Program (PNAPS), implemented since 2009 with the support of all partners, is in line with the NSP 2023 outcome, which stipulates that discrimination is reduced and access to psychosocial support (PSS) for people living with HIV (PLHIV) is strengthened. The PNAPS is also part of the implementation of the PSNI 2024-2030, and proposes guidelines that determine a package of psychological and social support services, as well as the profile of those involved, their mission and the links that govern their areas of action.

Depending on the location of the intervention, the PLWHA may benefit from therapeutic and/or social mediation, aimed primarily at combating the phenomenon of those lost to follow-up. In the context of the PNAPS, therapeutic education (ETP) for PLWHA is of vital importance, as it helps to increase adherence to treatment, among other things. Nevertheless, the previous evaluation of the PNAPS revealed constraints in the implementation of the program, partly linked to the precariousness of their status and the instability of social and therapeutic mediators. In addition, more than 300 social assistants are assigned by the Ministry of Health and Social Protection to hospitals to provide support in therapeutic and social mediation for PLWHA.

This technical assistance, implemented by Solthis with funding from the Initiative, is a continuation of the work carried out by the national authorities, and aims to update the PNAPS guide and develop a new PNAPS guide, as well as a training module for mediators and social workers on the new PNAPS.

General objective
Support the development of the new National Psychosocial Support Program guide & the training of health professionals and community workers in psychosocial support for PLWHA and their families (training of trainers).

Specific objectives

• SO 1 : Update the PNAPS reference document, specifying the roles and responsibilities of players in each PNAPS area and incorporating best practices based on international recommendations adapted to the national context and the recommendations of the PNAPS review in Morocco (to be carried out in 2023).
• SO 2: Develop a psychosocial support training kit for social assistants and social and therapeutic mediators, based on existing modular units (NGOs and PNLS).
• SO 3 : Ensure the training of trainers for optimal implementation of the new PNAPS.