A current challenge facing HIV prevention in Germany is developing appropriate HIV prevention services for vulnerable migrant communities. Meeting this challenge requires a close cooperation between researchers, service providers and migrant communities. This research project is investigating how locally-based participatory processes can be initiated and sustained for this purpose. The project is being conducted in cooperation with the Deutsche AIDS-Hilfe e.V. and stakeholders in various localities. The primary elements of the project are:

• A quantitative survey of the local AIDS service organisations regarding their prevention activities for immigrant communities, including current services and partnerships with other stakeholders
   

• Case studies at the local level investigating the forms of cooperation and participation taking place in the development of HIV prevention for immigrants
   

• Development of participatory research methods which can be used at the local level to maximize the effectiveness of HIV prevention for immigrants

The research project has a mixed-method design, using both qualitative and quantitative methods, and is being implemented according to principles of community-based participatory research. Community members and service providers are involved at the local level. An advisory committee has also been formed for the project as a whole, composed of community members, researchers and other experts in the field.

Further information (in German):
PaKoMi project website