1. THSY10
Using ICT solutions to
reach MSM in Morocco
M. Karkouri, M. Harri, O. Mellouk, H. Himmich
Association de Lutte Contre le Sida, Morocco

2. The Context
• Low HIV overall prevalence but concentrated
epidemic among Key Populations (MSM)
• Homosexuality is illegal in Morocco by Law 489 (6m
to 3y prison and/or 12 to 120 $ fine)
• Homophobia and high level of
stigma, violence, police harassment
• Development and diffusion of ICT (mobile
phones, internet)  lesser recourse to cruising areas
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3. The MSM Program of ALCS
• ALCS : Community-based
organization (1988) with extensive
experience working with MSM in
Morocco
• MSM Outreach Prevention Program (since 1993)
(Gov't approved):
– Prevention sessions on cruising areas and in-house
– Condom/lube access
– Information on HIV, AIDS and STIs
– Self-esteem improvement
– Psychosocial support and income-generating activities
• Coverage limited to major urban centers
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4. The Data
• BBSS Study, MSM, 2010-2011, Agadir & Marrakesh
– HIV prevalence among MSM:
• Agadir : 5.6% and Marrakech : 2.8%
– Internet at least once a week : 56% (daily : 19-31%)
– Gay sites at least once a week : 33% (daily : 18%)
– Peferred way to get information about HIV and STIs:
• TV 45.5%
• CBOs 26.3%
• Internet 15.8%
• Press 4.5%
• Brochures 3.9%
• Radio 3.8%
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5. The Intervention
• Creation of a profile "Pleasure & Health" on the most
popular gay sites (Gayromeo, NRJChat)
• A standard message is sent to users explaining the
purpose of our presence and offering to further chat
• Interested persons are invited to switch to "msn"
instant messaging
• Conversations are recorded and FAQ are noted in a
database allowing very quick answers ("Copy and
paste")
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7. The Services
• Education and information about HIV, AIDS and STIs
• Tailored counseling sessions on sexual practices
• Discussion about safer sex practices
• Reference to HIV Testing and Couseling sites
• Promotion of the HIV Hotline
• Information on psychological support and other
services offered to PLHIV
• Safe space to talk about homosexuality
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8. The Sexual and Reproductive Health
SMS Platform
• "Bilaharaje" ("Be comfortable to ask") program
• Partnership : ALCS – OneWorld UK – Butterfly Works
SMS Plateform (started 2011) hosted by ALCS
"On t’écoute" ("We are listening to you") live free
talk show airing weekly for two hours with a
sexologist answering questions from young people
(telephone calls, e-mail, Facebook)
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10. The Results
Jan-June July-Dec Jan – June
2011 2011 2012
Sessions 86 89 102
New contacts 432 562 583
Follow up contacts 120 482 489
Decline 88 89 85
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11. The Results
Most popular topics Referrals and orientation
Living with Marrakesh Men's
HIV Prevention Health Clinic
Family Hotline
& Society Sexual
Practices ALCS' HTC
Prevention
Religion Stigma & D website Hotline
ALCS'websi
Stigma Sexual
Religion HIV Testing te
& Discr. practices
& Couns. Health
Family Clinic
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12. The Results
Most popular topics Referrals and orientation
Living with Marrakesh Men's
HIV Prevention Health Clinic
Family Hotline
& Society Sexual
Practices ALCS' HTC
Prevention
Religion Stigma & D website Hotline
ALCS'websi
Stigma Sexual
Religion HIV Testing te
& Discr. practices
& Couns. Health
Family Clinic
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13. The Lessons learned
• High acceptability (low rate of decline)
• Low cost of operations
• Safety (for service providers and clients)
• Safe space to talk freely about sexual practices (no
face-to-face bias)
• Opportunity to scale up service provision
• Referral to services more effective
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14. The way forward
• Formal evaluation of the program needed (change of
behaviors)
• Scale up of the service provision
• More extensive research to harness the potential of
ICT solutions for targeting MSM
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