What is Marsa ?

What is Marsa ?

Marsa is the Arabic word for Anchor /Anchorage / Dockyard defined as a safe place where ships dock for supplies before going out at sea again.

Why was Marsa created?• Stigma (LGBTQ, single sexually active

women)• Discrimination (LGBTQ, single

sexually active women)• No access to SRHR

Marsa aims at:

Providing Sexual Health Services:

In a secure environment Privately Confidentially Anonymously At Subsidized prices.

Who can benefit from Marsa’s Services?

AnyoneYoung peopleSingle womenMarginalized groupsPeople Living with HIV and other sexually

transmitted infections (STI)

Marsa’s Services Free Testing for HIV, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C

Medical consultations for Sexually Transmitted Infections

PAP smear        Referral to laboratory testing for sexually transmitted

infections

Counseling Services

Free psychological counseling for People Living With HIV

 Free social counseling and follow up

Free dietetic counseling for people living with HIV

Other Services:

Marsa offers sexual heath and safer sex awareness sessions

Challenges: Lack of awareness concerning sexual health Public health Mental health

Solution: Provide sexual awareness especially among the

youth.

Financial challenges: Lack of funds

Solution: Fundraising events Donations online and at the center

Clients Access Challenge:No increase in the number of women at

Marsa

Solution: Initiating the Reproductive Health for

Women Program

Clients Access Challenge:Limited resources and services for

Transgender clients

Solution: Initiating specialized Program for

Transgender health (providing a transition guide [Medical & Legal/policy]; Oct 2014)

Achievements to Date:Building trust among community Increasing number of returning clientsEvidence by clients satisfaction surveyOver 4,000 services provided for 2,500

clients