“Trans women and men who have sex with men (MSM) used to face multiple barriers in accessing healthcare services in Beira. Today - thanks to the multiple trainings, activities, and awareness raising initiatives targeting health professionals - trans women can go to the hospital, feel accepted, and receive treatment without feeling discriminated” says Suzy, trans women in Beira, central Mozambique.

“I love who I am. I love my Identity, and my family loves me the way I am. I am very proud of this.” Stressed Suzy.

In Beira, Doctors Without Borders (MSF) has been working together with the Ministry of Health (MISAU), the police department, and communities to ensure that key and vulnerable populations face no barriers, discrimination, stigma, nor challenges in accessing healthcare services, especially with men who have sex with men (MSM), trans women, and sex workers.

“MSF has provided a lot of support to trans women and MSM in Beira with vaccination, medical assistance, and in the provision of medicines over the past years.” Suzy added. Since 2016, MSF has supported over 3,000 MSM and 60 trans women in Beira. MSF activities include:

• Outreach activities led by peer educators within the community to support, identify, and refer people in need of healthcare services.

• community clinics to treat and prevent HIV.

• Distribution of condoms and lubricants

• Mentorship programme targeted at healthcare staff to assist in implementing the national key population friendly guidelines for LGBTQI people.

Mozambique is an example to the region and in Africa for decriminalizing relations between people of the same gender, and for promoting their inclusion in healthcare services, although some challenges persist for minority groups in accessing healthcare. “Together always: united in diversity”

Everybody should have access to healthcare, regardless of their sexual orientation and/or gender identity.