ISSUES: To provide HIV/AIDS/STD education and prevention for military personnel through peer education. DESCRIPTION: Through various HIV/AIDS prevention activities were initiated in Nepal, specific intervention activities for the military were introduced recently. A 'peer education model' was applied for strengthing the dissemination of information on and to encourage open discussion on sex and sexuality. Motivation and sensitization workshops for senior military officers to seek their support was also very effective. The peer educators were given training on HIV/AIDS/STD integrated with skill to communicate about sex and sexuality. The peer educators were encouraged and supported to design and develop their own programmes, with constant support, guidance and follow up. RESULTS: i) Military personnel trained as per educators helped to motivate and mobilise the programme significantly within the military barracks. (ii) A HIV/AIDS curriculum was developed and integrated into the professional training manual of the military personnel, which insured sustainibility. (iii) Regular follow ups and suppervision and support from the higher military authorities encouraged them to conduct formal and informal awareness activities in other camps. CONCLUSION: The peer education models is effective and it insures sustainibility and rapid dissemination of information. Counselling training for the medical professionals in the military services has motivated them to establish a counselling unit in the Military Hospital.

MEETING ABSTRACTS Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome/*PREVENTION & CONTROL/ TRANSMISSION Education Female *Health Education Human HIV Infections/*PREVENTION & CONTROL/TRANSMISSION Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice Male Military Personnel/*EDUCATION Nepal Peer Group Program Development Sexually Transmitted Diseases/*PREVENTION & CONTROL/TRANSMISSION

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