Mbembe Aaron Clevis is a dedicated harm reduction activist with over a decade of experience advancing harm reduction services for key populations in the DRC and the African Great Lakes region. He currently serves as the Human Rights Advisor for Repro Justice Congo.

In May 2024, Repro Justice Congo conducted a needs assessment to explore the unique challenges faced by LGBTQ+ people who inject drugs (PWIDs) and internally displaced persons (IDPs) in the conflict-affected regions of Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The study, carried out in two districts of Goma and three IDP camps housing individuals fleeing violence from Rutshuru Territory, aimed to identify barriers to HIV service access and harm reduction programming for these highly marginalized populations. Nationally, there are estimated to be 124,053 men who have sex with men (MSM), 110,139 PWIDs, and 56,530 transgender (TG) individuals, with Goma-specific estimates of 4,155 MSM, 961 PWIDs, and 662 TG persons. (MoH, 2022)

This assessment utilized a mixed-method, including focus group discussions with LGBTQ+ IDPs and PWIDs, surveys and telephone interviews. Key informants, including civil society leaders, humanitarian actors and government officials involved in HIV responses, were also interviewed. Four focus group discussions were held to gather qualitative insights into the lived experiences and needs of these communities.

The study revealed intersecting barriers to HIV services, including pervasive stigma, discrimination, and gender-based violence. Other significant obstacles included punitive legal frameworks, inexistant harm reduction programs, limited awareness of available HIV services, and inadequate access to legal aid support. Despite these challenges, progress has been made. The DRC government’s recognition of MSM, TG persons, and PWIDs as key populations in the National Strategic Plan (NSP) 2023-2027 and the development of a size estimation report detailing HIV prevalence among these groups mark significant advancements.

Integrating HIV services into humanitarian responses, with a focus on key populations, is crucial for improving health outcomes in conflict zones. Addressing the intersectionality of LGBTQ+ identities and displacement, coupled with implementing rights-based harm reduction programs, is essential to overcoming barriers and ensuring equitable access to healthcare in these vulnerable communities.