Reducing provider-held stigma and improving young client satisfaction in Bangladesh: Findings from a Link Up evaluation

To address HIV stigma in Bangladesh, a training program was designed and evaluated among service providers as part of Link Up, a global project led by the International HIV/AIDS Alliance designed to improve the sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) of young people. These trainings aimed at sensitizing healthcare providers to the needs and rights of young people at high risk of stigmatization—such as sex workers, sexual minorities, or young people who engage in premarital sex. The Population Council collaborated with Marie Stopes International Bangladesh (MSIB) to evaluate whether stigma-reduction trainings improved provider attitudes toward these young marginalized populations, and whether the trainings improved young clients’ perceptions of MSIB services. Findings show that the Link Up training package had a positive impact on providers’ beliefs and attitudes, and on the quality of care provided to young people living with—or at increased risk of contracting—HIV, including key populations. Fear- and values-based stigma were significantly reduced after both training interventions and the value of the supplemental stigma training appears to be supported by increases in client satisfaction with services