News

Key population networks and community organizations are strategic to meeting the goals and objectives of HIV prevention and response. Empowering relevant KP networks and CSOs through capacity building and institutional development is important to ensure their ability to participate and contribute to the national HIV prevention and response.

Save the Children Bhutan under Sustainability of HIV Services for Key Populations in Asia (SKPA) Global Fund multi-country regional grant facilitated Community Based Monitoring (CBM) process for the first time in the country, in collaboration with the National AIDS and STI Control Program (NACP) and the Key Population networks and CSOs.  

Key population groups such as transgender people, sex workers, men who have sex with men, and drug users and people living with HIV face varying degrees of social stigma and discrimination. Key populations prefer to remain hidden due to prevailing stigma and discrimination, and a lack of understanding and low acceptance from friends and families. The gender barriers review and service package review reports document reports of abuse on KPs ranging from bullying to sexual violence and assault.

The Gross National Happiness Commission in collaboration with the with Disabled People’s Association of Bhutan with the support from Save the Children  carried out the  Disability Quality training for the CSO and Government Partners. The training covered various aspects of disability, including issues, challenges, experiences, and aspirations of Persons with Disabilities. The training was facilitated by persons with disabilities from Disabled Persons’ Association of Bhutan, Ability Bhutan Society, Wangsel Institute for the Deaf, Draktsho and Phensem.

The National Commission for Women and Children in collaboration and support from Save the Children developed a Child Safeguarding and Protection Policy for NGO and Government partners working for children. The Policy aims to provide directives and guidance to the organization to work with the children and youth sensitively and ensure that their best interests are always taken into consideration, promote and protect the rights of our children from abuse and exploitation during their engagement with the organizations/agencies.