"IOM is launching a new programme aimed at increasing HIV/AIDS awareness among vulnerable populations and de-stigmatizing HIV in Somalia. The programme, which is funded through UNICEF by the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, will be carried out in Somaliland, Puntland and South Central Somalia in partnership with UNICEF, the three AIDS commissions in Somalia, and local partners. As part of the USD 1.7 million programme, community awareness and stigma reduction activities will be carried out to reduce the incidence of HIV among key populations at higher risk of infection, including vulnerable women, truck drivers, khat and tea sellers, uniformed services, internally displaced people (IDPs), migrants, and at-risk youth. The programme will target transit areas associated with increased HIV risk behaviour, such as truck stops, ports, and border areas. IOM will also provide grants to local non-governmental organizations to expand their capacity to coordinate services and respond to HIV and AIDS. The adult HIV prevalence in Somalia is estimated at around one percent. ""During the past two years, IOM has completed innovative and groundbreaking research in close partnership with the Somali AIDS Commissions, UN, and local partners. Together we have provided documentation that has led to a substantial reshaping of the national response towards key population groups,"" said Ashraf El Nour, the Regional Representative for IOM in East and Central Africa. The programme is the result of a two-year research phase carried out by IOM in partnership with UNAIDS, WHO, UNDP, UNICEF, and the Somali AIDS Commissions in identifying the needs of those groups at higher risk of HIV infection. For more information contact: Kelsi Kriitmaa Health Programme Officer IOM Nairobi Tel: 254 20 444 4174 x160 E-mail: kkriitmaa@iom.int