In Sri Lanka, chemsex, or the use of drugs in sexualized settings, has become a significant public health concern, particularly among men who have sex with men (MSM), transgender individuals, and sex workers. This practice is linked to rising rates of HIV, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and various mental health issues, making it an urgent area for intervention. To address this issue, the SKPA-2 program, in collaboration with APCOM, the Family Planning Association (FPA) of Sri Lanka, and Health Equity Matters, launched a Training of Peer Trainers (ToT) program, which took place from 20 to 24 January 2025.
The ToT initiative is a pioneering effort, marking the first of its kind in Sri Lanka and possibly across Asia. Its goal was to build local capacity to address chemsex through peer-led education and promote harm reduction strategies. The program covered key topics on chemsex, including its associated risks, HIV prevention, and harm reduction techniques. Participants were also trained to improve their facilitation and peer training skills, ensuring they could effectively share this vital information within their communities. The training utilized a variety of interactive methods, such as lectures, role-plays, case studies, and group discussions, fostering a non-judgmental approach to drug use and sexual health.
Twenty peer trainers were carefully selected through a competitive process that emphasized candidates with relevant facilitation experience and diverse backgrounds. This diversity spanned across Sri Lanka’s key populations and regions. To maximize accessibility, the training was multilingual, offering content in Sinhala, Tamil, and English. The outcome of the training was impressive, with participants showing significant improvements in their understanding of chemsex, harm reduction, and facilitation skills. Even those new to the topic expressed increased confidence in addressing chemsex-related challenges within their communities, feeling well-equipped to tackle emerging issues.
One participant shared, “I had no prior knowledge of chemsex, but this training provided clear, practical insights,” while another commented, “This was one of the best workshops I’ve attended. The trainers were approachable, and I feel well-equipped to take this knowledge forward.”
Many participants appreciated the inclusion of individuals with lived experiences, which enriched the discussions and deepened their understanding of the complexities of chemsex, especially its impact on mental health, relationships, and community dynamics. This approach made the training more relatable and impactful. Pre- and post-assessments showed significant improvements in participants’ knowledge, with increases in their understanding of adult education principles (+47%), harm reduction practices (+54%), chemsex risks (+40%), and safer sex strategies, including PrEP (+29%). These gains demonstrate the program’s effectiveness, particularly in empowering participants to contribute meaningfully to addressing chemsex-related challenges in their communities.
The Malaysia Chemsex Intervention Core Team Training of Trainers (ToT), a successful collaboration between the SKPA-2 program, the Malaysian AIDS Council (MAC), and the Malaysian AIDS Foundation (MAF), took place from 21 to 26 February 2025. Mirroring the approach used in Sri Lanka, the training engaged ten core team members and focused on equipping them with essential skills to address chemsex in their communities. Through practical harm reduction strategies and a focus on HIV and mental health risks, participants were trained to further disseminate knowledge and implement effective interventions. Collaborative action plans were developed, ensuring sustainable, community-driven solutions for the country.
“I hope that the participants of the ToT will not only successfully carry out roll-out training sessions in their communities but also build their confidence as leaders in this critical area. I envision them using their newfound skills to create a ripple effect of understanding and support, fostering environments where individuals affected by chemsex feel empowered to seek help without fear of judgment. By doing so, they will not only enhance their own capabilities but also contribute to a broader movement that promotes health, reduces stigma, and ensures that everyone has access to the support they need,”
commented Brandon, Harm Reduction (Chemsex) Executive of MAC who were also one of the facilitators in the Malaysia Chemsex Intervention Core Team ToT.
As a background, these ToT programs builds on a series of discussions held in late 2024, including the SKPA-2-supported participation of over thirty individuals at the 6th Asia-Pacific Chemsex Symposium (#APCS2024) in Bangkok. SKPA-2 also organized independent side events around the same time as the symposium, such as the Community Welcome Lunch and Chemsex Workshop, which focused on developing regional and country-specific responses to chemsex. These events brought together participants from SKPA-2 and non-SKPA-2 countries, as well as regional technical assistance providers. A tailored, country-specific capacity-building program for community leaders was identified as a crucial intervention during these discussions.
The success of the ToT program in Sri Lanka and Malaysia demonstrated the value of inclusive training, local expertise, and the role of lived experiences in creating impactful community interventions. These initiatives have developed a group of skilled trainers who can deliver chemsex education and interventions within their respective communities. Moving forward, SKPA-2 plans to continue supporting these peer trainers with resources, funding for follow-up training, and regular virtual and in-person meetings. The next phase will focus on structured follow-ups and ongoing support to ensure the sustainability of these efforts. A comprehensive curriculum, including a facilitator guide, will be released by June 2025, allowing other countries in the region to replicate the program.
Published on: 10-Apr-2025
About the Contributor
Nicky Suwandi (He/Him/His)
Knowledge Management & Learning
APCOM, Thailand
Nicky led the demand generation initiatives during SKPA-1, and with his current position, he is aiming to facilitate discussions and promote cross-learning in the SKPA-2 project and beyond. In addition, his work is deeply rooted in creating meaningful changes for key population communities, specifically on HIV online interventions, pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and sexualized drug use or chemsex. Hailing from Indonesia, he is equipped with a degree in communication studies, and have experience working in a national network for men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women, which comprises more than 80 community-based organizations and support groups across the archipelago.
