Use of male champions to improve male involvement in HIV testing: The experience of the Malawi EMPOWER Activity

Men living with HIV in Malawi have low rates of health-seeking behaviors, tend to present at clinics with advanced HIV, and have low viral load suppression rates. Research by the USAID-funded program EMPOWER (Expanding Malawi HIV/AIDS Prevention with local organizations Working for an Effective Epidemic Response) on men’s barriers to HIV services and beneficiary engagement has demonstrated men’s preference for male providers and for flexible and confidential service delivery models. To reach men, EMPOWER provides education on HIV prevention behaviors, creates demand for HIV testing services (HTS), ensures that men know their HIV status, and encourages linkage to treatment and care for HIV-positive men. Here, we describe how EMPOWER contributed to reaching more men with these services.