2026 edition theme

Care without barriers: innovation, decentralisation and autonomy

In Portugal, various civil society organisations are developing effective and people-centred responses for key populations, including sex workers. This networking has been fundamental to promoting health, with visible results in the prevention and management of HIV and other STIs, as well as in defending the rights and dignity of sex workers. Associations and non-governmental organisations are often the go-to support for many people.

Despite these advances, significant challenges remain in accessing basic resources and healthcare, particularly in regions outside major urban centres. In these contexts, many sex workers — especially migrants — continue to face barriers to accessing prevention materials, screening, clinical care and support services.

This situation is exacerbated by the high level of geographical mobility that characterises a large proportion of this population. Many people regularly travel between different locations to work, often remaining beyond the reach of traditional support services and without continuous access to essential resources, such as prevention materials, rapid screening or decentralised consultations for access to PrEP and PEP.

In addition to their geographical dispersion and constant mobility, the invisibility of these populations:

• Increases their vulnerability to HIV and other STIs;
• Makes it difficult for them to access their rights and support networks;
• Highlights the need for more flexible, decentralised intervention models that are tailored to the reality of the local areas.

It is within this context that Plano AproXima, as the promoting and funding entity, is launching the 6th edition of the AproXima-te Award, with the aim of supporting projects that address this challenge through innovative solutions promoting greater proximity, accessibility and continuity of care.

Awards and recognition

Through the AproXima Plan, €32,000 in awards will be granted via distinct selection mechanisms that promote fairness, transparency and the recognition of merit.

1st Prize — €14,000

Winning project
The winner will be selected via an application and following assessment by a panel of expert judges.

Assessment panel:

• Alexandra Oliveira (Lecturer and Researcher at the University of Porto);

• Luís Pimentel (Clinical Psychologist, Coordinator of CISS Porto);

• Marta Graça (Researcher and Science Communicator at the Institute for Legal Research, University of Coimbra);

• Rita Alcaire (Postdoctoral Researcher at the CES, Faculty of Economics, University of Coimbra)

• Mara Clemente (Researcher at the Centre for Research and Studies in Sociology, ISCTE-IUL);

• Nelson Ramalho (Research Assistant at the Centre for Research and Studies in Sociology, CIES-ISCTE);

• Marta Pinto (Psychologist, Researcher and Lecturer at the Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of Porto)

This year, the judging panel will also include five sex workers, reinforcing the importance of incorporating perspectives and experiences directly linked to the realities addressed by the initiative.

1st Honourable Mention — €5,000

Project recognised by the AproXima Plan for its impact, relevance and merit amongst the entries submitted.

2nd Prize awarded by community vote — €8,000

The winning project will be selected by a public vote on the Classificados X website from among eligible advertisers on the website.

2nd Honourable Mention — €5,000

An additional project recognised by the AproXima Plan for its impact and relevance.

Full details are set out in Regulations page.