Sanna L; International Conference on AIDS (15th : 2004 : Bangkok, Thailand).
Int Conf AIDS. 2004 Jul 11-16; 15: abstract no. TuPeE5435.
International Planned Parenthood Federation European Network, Brussels, Belgium
Issues: HIV infection is rising fastest among youth, yet most youth NGOs have not integrated HIV prevention into their core programming despite being positioned to reach a wide youth audience. Also, peer-to-peer HIV prevention programs are vital for slowing the epidemic. Yet there is a tendency to see young people as a homogeneous, uniformly tolerant group, which results in prevention efforts that do not reach the most vulnerable, marginalized or socially-excluded (VMSE) - those most at-risk for infection. Description: This project aimed to improve the sexual and reproductive health of young people by building the capacity of and empowering youth NGOs to integrate HIV prevention into core programming. This was done by linking HIV/AIDS to sexuality and sexual health and raising awareness of the risks faced by youth - especially VMSE youth - and their rights to information and quality services. Activities included an innovative peer education approach; creation of materials and events, including a peer education handbook, specifically for VMSE youth; networking with other NGOs that work with VMSE youth; and integration of gender and cultural factors that influence HIV transmission. The result was a network of youth NGOs and a core group of peer educators empowered to contribute to HIV prevention among a wide youth audience. The project took place from 2001-2003 in the former Yugoslav countries. Lessons learned: By building the capacity of youth NGOs, networking with a variety of stakeholders and reaching VMSE youth through targeted events and materials, HIV prevention can impact a wider audience, especially those at highest risk. Also, raising awareness of HIV among youth creates demand for youth-friendly sexual and reproductive health services, which must be met. Recommendation: More capacity-building support for reaching/working with VMSE youth is necessary, and demand for youth-friendly services must be met. Phase 2 of the project (2004-5) will address these needs.
Publication Types:
Keywords:
- Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
- Adolescent
- Behavior
- Counseling
- HIV Infections
- HIV Seropositivity
- Health Services Needs and Demand
- Humans
- Peer Group
- Reproductive Medicine
- Sexual Behavior
- Sexuality
- education
- prevention & control
Other ID:
UI: 102283236
From Meeting Abstracts