FHI - Fun and Fashion Define Cambodia’s MStyle

FEBRUARY 2009 — FHI and its implementing partners, with USAID support, recently launched a new project in Cambodia to improve the sexual health of men who have sex with men (MSM). MStyle, a peer-led, nonjudgmental social network, takes a human rights-based approach to reducing the risk of HIV and other STIs. Because of the stigma and discrimination MSM often face, they may be reluctant to seek health and support services.

The MStyle program aims to overcome this reluctance and provide high-quality, confidential services by creating an environment that is not just supportive of MSM but also engaging and fun; music and fashion are important elements. Because many MSM in Cambodia also have female sexual partners, MStyle works in tandem with FHI's SMARTgirl program, which is aimed at Cambodia's female entertainment service workers and their male clients. This harmonization of efforts means that those most vulnerable to HIV receive consistent, clear messages through multiple channels.

Reaching Out to MSM
In collaboration with partner NGOs and community-based organizations, FHI supports MStyle in implementing behavior-change approaches that emphasize risk reduction and promote safer sexual practices.

Community and peer facilitators from FHI's partner agencies reach out to MSM through one-on-one and group interactions. Using MStyle risk assessment cards (PDF, 107KB) and guides (PDF, 251KB), facilitators help MSM assess their risks in different situations and learn how to protect their health. Outreach sessions aim to go beyond discussion of STIs and HIV to address other risks that MSM may face, from disclosure of their sexuality to drug use to sexual violence.

Facilitator's Guide MStyle posters, leaflets, and T-shirts incorporate colorful designs and a sense of fashion and style that appeals to the target group. Outreach workers from FHI's partners distribute these materials as well as condoms and lubricants, which are provided free of charge to very poor or HIV-positive MSM. Outreach workers also hand out referral cards for counseling and testing, treatment for STIs, and other health services.

The cards are later collected, and the information they contain—referral types, facilities referred, and names of outreach workers providing the referrals—is added to a database that will be used to improve the program's effectiveness. FHI also supports local partners referring HIV-positive MSM to care and treatment services and making follow-up home visits.

Additional outreach sessions are held weekly at five MStyle clubs located in Phnom Penh and Banteay Meanchey. The clubs are safe places where MSM can meet with friends, watch TV, join in karaoke, and at the same time learn about healthy sexual practices and choices. With technical support from FHI, partners provide addiction counseling and support groups at the clubs, as well as referrals to outside drug-use services.

Changing a Culture
FHI and partner IAs are encouraging bar and club owners, healthcare providers, and others to build a supportive environment where the health and wellbeing of young men and the wider community are protected. To foster sustainability, FHI is also developing the capacity of local partners and stakeholders to plan, implement, manage, and monitor program activities when external funding ends.

The new, branded MStyle approach has proven popular with MSM, as well as club and outreach staff. The program is thus poised to play an important, long-term role in addressing sexual health and MSM issues in Cambodia.

PHOTOS: (Top) Visible MSM serve as positive role models and convey key messages about the importance of developing responsible sexual attitudes and practices. These men use their image to promote an MStyle website which offers a chat room, quizzes, and sexual health information that members can access confidentially. (Bottom) The cover of the Facilitator's Guide provides an example of the colorful and engaging artwork used in the campaign. (FHI/Cambodia)