What is Crosslink?

The CROSSLINK project is a European initiative funded by the European Commission through the EU4Health Programme. It runs from January 1, 2026, to December 31, 2027.

Its main objective is to improve the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up care of HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among vulnerable populations in three countries:

• Greece: Doctors of the World, Positive Voice.
• Spain: Projecte dels NOMS – BCN Checkpoint.
• The Netherlands: Dokters van de Wereld.

The project is globally coordinated by Aidsfonds & Soa Aids Nederland.

Main Project Objectives

Expand community-based health services through the following actions:

• Community outreach and engagement activities in community and street-based settings.
• Rapid testing for HIV, viral hepatitis, and sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
• Provision of psychosocial support to service users.
• Referral and linkage to the relevant healthcare and support services.
• Development of awareness-raising campaigns to combat stigma and discrimination.
• Training and capacity building for healthcare professionals and volunteers.

The Role of BCN Checkpoint

BCN Checkpoint will implement a community-based approach to address the health and social needs of key populations, reducing barriers to HIV/STI prevention, diagnosis, healthcare and psychosocial support. Priority will be given to people experiencing homelessness, people who practice chemsex, migrants, MSM and trans people.

1. Research on homelessness

BCN Checkpoint will assess the needs and living conditions of MSM and trans people experiencing homelessness, especially those affected by chemsex. The results will help identify barriers to accessing healthcare and social support and develop tailored psychosocial interventions.

2. Chemsex

Support for people who practice chemsex through individual and group support sessions, focused on harm reduction and improving the physical and emotional wellbeing of people who practice chemsex.

3. Testing and awareness

Low-threshold community clinical services will facilitate access to HIV/STI testing, early diagnosis and prevention, including PrEP and PEP, as well as linkage to healthcare services and psychosocial support. Awareness-raising activities will promote regular testing, prevention and stigma reduction among vulnerable populations.

4. Training

BCN Checkpoint will offer two different training programmes for healthcare professionals and volunteers, with the aim of improving HIV/STI prevention, detection and care from an inclusive and community-based perspective.

• Training for healthcare professionals: Inclusive and stigma-free care, covering HIV/STIs, sexual health, the specific needs of MSM and trans people, migration and referral pathways.
• Training for volunteers: Practical training to equip volunteers to carry out rapid HIV/STI testing, as well as provide information and support to service users and refer them to the services they need.

5. Support for migrant populations

Collaboration with community organisations to facilitate access to healthcare services and support people in an irregular administrative situation.

6. Awareness and stigma reduction

Campaigns and activities aimed at promoting prevention, early diagnosis, vaccination and the reduction of HIV- and STI-related stigma.

Overall, CROSSLINK will strengthen BCN Checkpoint’s community-based model and bring sexual health services closer to people who face the greatest barriers to accessing the healthcare system.