Sabrang Mobile App

In early 2017, MAMTA Health Institute of Mother and Child, Delhi developed an app called Sabrang as part of its mHealth Programme. The app aimed to reduce self-stigma around non-normative genders and sexualities, and promote STI/HIV awareness, self-risk perception, and health-seeking behaviors among men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women in specific areas of Delhi National Capital Region. Age groups prioritized were adolescents below 18 years of age and young people between 19-25 years. MAMTA’s reach to these populations was facilitated by three community groups (partner agencies) – Basera Samajik Sansthan, Noida; Lovelife Society, Delhi; and Mitr Trust, Delhi, all implementers of sexual health interventions among MSM and transgender women.

The main benefits of this app were

• Sabrang app was particularly helpful in getting people tested for STI/HIV, and in explaining to them their legal rights (though the scope for improvement remains in this regard).
• Deployment in HIV-targeted interventions supported by State AIDS Control Society (SACS) and NACO: The app was informally used in Basera Samajik Sansthan’s HIV targeted intervention project in Noida. According to the Hijra community leader and project manager associated with the CBO: “It helped bring forward people who were always hidden because confidentiality was assured.”
• According to the Hijra community leader: “Overall the app is very useful. It has induced a culture of health-seeking behaviors among at least some community members. Even adolescents (below 18) have been attracted to the app. So, there is much more scope to benefit the communities.”