Deadline: 6 March 2020
Do you have a BIG idea to tackle HIV amongst young MSM in Kenya? If yes, then submit your applications to participate in the Almasi Challenge.
YLabs, in partnership with ViiV Healthcare Positive Action Programme, is launching an exciting opportunity for youth-centered organizations working with young men who have sex with men (MSM) ages 15-24 years in Kenya.
Proposed solutions must be courageous, transformational and ‘outside-the-box’. They must have the potential to make a substantial impact to improve access to HIV prevention, testing, and/or treatment services for young MSM in Kenya.
The Problem
HIV prevalence among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Kenya is almost four times that of the general adult population. Among the respondents reporting to have tested HIV positive, 30% of MSM are not currently taking antiretroviral therapy (ART). Additionally, this community reports high levels of physical and sexual violence, as well as arrest and harassment by law enforcement officials. MSM are stigmatized and marginalized in the healthcare system. This key population is at increasing risk of infection due to factors such as discrimination and the stigmatization of same-sex sexual activity. There is an urgent need for innovative solutions that meet the particular needs of the MSM population across the spectrum of HIV prevention, testing and treatment.
Funding Information
Selected organizations will receive capacity-building in human-centered design to refine their solution idea and have the opportunity to win up to USD $120,000 to test, implement, and evaluate their innovative solution.
How The Almasi Challenge Works
- Phase 1 (March-June 2020): Up to six finalists will be selected to receive intensive mentorship, hands-on skills training in human-centered design, and resources to help them push their idea to the next level.
- Phase 2 (starts July 2020): After evolving and improving their idea through testing with users, each finalist will make an in-person pitch to a judging panel in Nairobi. The winning organization will receive up to US$120,000. In addition, the winning organization will receive design and evaluation support from YLabs to build and implement their innovation.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicant organizations must:
- Be a registered non-profit or charity, non-governmental organisation (NGO) or community-based organisation (CBO) in Kenya.
- Be an active organization with employed staff and designated financial controllers.
- Have a demonstrated track record of working with the MSM population, particularly youth, in Kenya.
- Have at least one staff member who will be available for in May 2020 for three weeks of intensive training in Nairobi or Kisumu, if selected to participate.
How to Apply
Send your application as a PDF file via email at the address given on the website.
For more information, visit https://ylabsglobal.org/projects/positive-action