Successful project
Care should be easier to reach than fear.
About the project
Built on a proven foundation
D-WiFI is built on FBST’s successful 2024-2025 SafeLink work. The project recognises that services can exist while people still stay away because they fear being recognised, judged, exposed, blackmailed or treated badly.
Who the project supports
- MSM/HSH who are hidden, newly diagnosed, out of care or afraid to test
- People living with HIV who need treatment re-linkage or adherence support
- People affected by violence, blackmail, forced disclosure or family rejection
- People whose vulnerability also involves youth, sex work, migration, disability, poverty or substance use
The SafeLink pathway
Trust before referral, at every step
- 1
A discreet start
A trusted peer begins a discreet and respectful conversation.
- 2
The person chooses
The person chooses what information to share and what support they want.
- 3
A safe plan, with consent
FBST agrees a safe contact method and coded referral plan with the person's consent.
- 4
Linkage to trusted care
The person is linked to a trusted service for HIV testing, treatment, PrEP, STI care, psychosocial support or protection.
- 5
Respectful follow-up
FBST follows up respectfully and uses anonymous feedback to improve service safety.
Documented 2024-2025 results
What SafeLink achieved
- community members received HIV prevention and stigma-reduction information
- 1,847
- MSM/HSH received peer-led outreach and safe-space support
- 683
- people referred for HIV testing and counselling
- 436
- people living with HIV reconnected to treatment or adherence support
- 127
- peer educators trained
- 31
- health-service focal persons engaged on confidentiality and non-discrimination
- 18
- cases involving stigma, violence or disclosure risk documented for safe referral
- 74
community members received HIV prevention and stigma-reduction information
MSM/HSH received peer-led outreach and safe-space support
people referred for HIV testing and counselling
people living with HIV reconnected to treatment or adherence support
peer educators trained
health-service focal persons engaged on confidentiality and non-discrimination
cases involving stigma, violence or disclosure risk documented for safe referral
What made it work
Trust came before referral
People were more willing to test, return to treatment or ask for support when they were approached by peers who understood their fears and protected their privacy. The SafeLink approach turns confidentiality, respect and follow-up into practical parts of care.
Looking ahead
FBST is strengthening D-WiFI to reach more people, train additional peer navigators, improve trusted referral pathways and help service providers strengthen confidentiality, respectful communication and accountability.
Are you a health service, HIV organisation, protection actor, donor or community partner interested in safer access to care?
Work with FBST to help people move from fear to care without exposure or judgement.