INSTITUTIONAL STRENGTHENING OF THE AUTRE REGARD ASSOCIATION

In Djibouti, HIV prevalence is showing a downward trend but also a feminization of the epidemic. According to UNAIDS estimates (2023), HIV prevalence among adults aged 15–49 is 0.8% [0.6–1.2]; however, other sources estimate it to be around 2%. The HIV testing and treatment cascade in Djibouti remains far from the 95-95-95 targets: 76% of people living with HIV (PLHIV) know their status, 31% are on antiretroviral therapy (ART), and only 23% have achieved viral suppression. Key populations are disproportionately affected by the epidemic (for example, 13% prevalence among female sex workers (FSW) according to the 2012 IBBS study). 

The new Integrated National Strategic Plan for the Fight against HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, and STIs (2023–2027) serves as the reference framework for Djibouti’s HIV response. It emphasizes the mobilization of civil society organizations (CSOs), community integration (such as peer educators (PE) and mobile brigades), and the protection of the right to access services for all, including key and vulnerable populations. CSOs involved in the HIV/AIDS response in Djibouti thus play an essential role in testing and care for PLHIV, particularly among key populations, as well as among women, children, adolescents, and youth, including AAR. 

The SOFIA support fund (in French: Structuration des Organisations de la Société Civile : Financement, Impact et Accompagnement) is the new Initiative fund, operating in eight countries, including Djibouti. It supports local, mid-sized CSOs to strengthen their active participation in the fight against pandemics, the reinforcement of health systems, and the promotion of gender equality and human rights in health. 

AAR is one of the few CSOs in Djibouti actively engaged in the fight against HIV/AIDS. In a context where HIV remains highly taboo and stigmatized, particularly in connection with sexual behaviors or drug use, the organization implements a community-based approach focused on prevention, awareness-raising, and support for populations most exposed to the risk of transmission. Since 2024, AAR has sought to strengthen its territorial coverage by recruiting new peer educators, expanding its geographic areas of intervention, and intensifying testing activities. 

General objective:  To support the institutional strengthening of AAR through the update of its strategic plan, the development of a resource mobilization strategy, and the capacity building of its teams in project methodology.