PSI

PSI/Nicaragua was founded in 1998 to promote HIV/AIDS prevention via social marketing. Since then, PSI and the Pan American Social Marketing Organization (PASMO) have added reproductive health and prevention and management of gestational diabetes to their Nicaraguan portfolio.

With offices in the capital city of Managua, PASMO/Nicaragua uses targeted research, behavior change communications (BCC), product sales and services to prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS and foster reproductive health. PASMO also operates the Red Segura social franchise, a network of more than 60 private providers in 6 departments offering a range of reproductive health services. PASMO/Nicaragua directs resources where they are most needed by locating at-risk and vulnerable populations and developing specific strategies to reach each group.

Health Areas

HIV, Reproductive Health

Health Impact

PSI/Nicaragua estimates that in 2010, its products and services helped avert:

• 895 HIV & TB DALYs1
• 4,692 Reproductive Health DALYs
1. 1. Source: The DALY (Disability-Adjusted Life Year) is a widely-used, credible metric that was first developed by the World Bank and is now routinely relied upon in the public health community.

Health Interventions

• Intrauterine Device (IUD)
• Oral Contraception
• Male Condom
• Sex Workers
• Men Who Have Sex with Men
• HIV Counseling and Testing
• Contraceptive Implants
• Lubricant

Improving Health in Nicaragua

Reproductive Health/Salud Reproductiva

PASMO/Nicaragua offers both long- and short-term family planning methods to women of limited resources:

• Long-term: The Women's Health Project provides intrauterine devices (IUDs) and contraceptive implants, and trains doctors and nurses to use these devices.
• Short-term: Oral and one- and three-month injectable contraceptives are sold through distributor networks and to pharmacies.

PASMO/Nicaragua also operates Red Segura, a network of private providers that benefits both women (direct consumers) and health providers (network members). The Segura Network offers sexual and reproductive health services that adhere to strict quality standards based on voluntary and informed choice. Members belonging to the network receive trainings to improve the quality of services as well as specialized instruction on various family planning methods. Network members must undergo a certification process before they can officially join the network. In Nicaragua, the Segura Network has more than 60 members in the departments of Managua, León, Chinandega, Estelí, Chontales and Masaya. The network is also present in Guatemala and El Salvador.

HIV

Nicaragua has one of the lowest reported HIV prevalence rates in Central America. However, the country is at risk of a growing epidemic due to social conditions, including multiple sex partners, gender inequality and widespread poverty. Additionally, many Nicaraguans are unaware of their HIV status and unknowingly spread the virus.

PASMO/Nicaragua helps prevent the spread of HIV by distributing PSI-brand Vive condoms and lubricants. It also distributes Body Guard condoms, PASMO/Nicaragua’s socially marketed condom brand. Distribution is targeted to areas with high populations of at-risk and vulnerable populations, such as female sex workers (FSWs), clients of sex workers, and men who have sex with men (MSM). PASMO/Nicaragua is also one of the implementers of the regional USAID-funded Combination HIV Prevention Program, which seeks to reduce the prevalence of high risk behaviors among most at risk populations (MARPs) and people living with HIV; improve and implement interventions to reduce hostility in social environments that promote and tolerate homophobia, stigma, and discriminatory attitudes towards sexual orientation, occupation, or HIV status; and increase MARPs’ access to a minimum package of services, which includes, but is not limited to, access to condoms, voluntary HIV counseling and testing, and STI diagnosis and treatment.

PASMO/Nicaragua also:

• Offers youth peer education programs.
• Trains staff and provides resources for voluntary counseling and testing (VCT) services.
• Promotes sexual responsibility – condom use, fidelity or abstinence – among youth via BCC methodologies and activities.

Non-Communicable Diseases

PASMO/Nicaragua has just launched a project that seeks to reduce maternal and child morbidity due to birth complications related to gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and reduce the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes in the future. Working with the Ministry of Health, the National Autonomous University of Nicaragua, Novo Nordisk, and the World Diabetes Foundation, PSI/PASMO is building the capacity of health care providers at the national maternal health referral hospital and three public health centers on GDM risks and management techniques as well as GDM screening and diagnosis. In addition, novel behavior change communications are improving pregnant women’s ability to manage GDM.

Latest News

• Event: Working Toward Reducing Maternal Mortality and Increasing Access to Reproductive Health
  October 29, 2010