AEGiS-07IAC: Reaching marginalized groups through local non-governmental organizations.

7th International AIDS Conference


Florence, Italy — June 16-21, 1991

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Reaching marginalized groups through local non-governmental organizations.

Int Conf AIDS 1991 Jun 16-21; 7:37 (abstract no. W.D.56)
Crane SF, Filgueiras A, Row KA, Swaminathan S; Family Health International, NC, USA

OBJECTIVE: To reach marginalized groups such as street children, gay men, commercial sex workers (CSWs), and their clients with AIDS prevention information through local non-governmental organizations (NGOs).

METHODS: Three local NGOs recognized the impact that AIDS was having on the marginalized groups they worked with: street children, gay men, CSWs, and clients. AIDS prevention and education strategies were designed to maximize the impact of the programs, with the overall aim of empowering groups that have traditionally been treated adversely by state authorities. All 3 NGOs took time to identify appropriate staff and train them. AIDS prevention messages were tested through focus groups, discussions and individual interviews. Condom procurement and distribution routes were sought. An international meeting was held to bring together NGO staff and experts to exchange information.

RESULTS: The 3 NGOs used their previous knowledge of the target groups to design initial AIDS prevention materials. The NGOs' flexibility enabled them to change the messages once focus groups were underway. The commitment of staff meant they stayed with the projects for the duration, thus increasing the target groups' trust and cooperation. The desire for sustainability and community involvement meant that each NGO worked with local agencies who now provide certain services and equipment which enhances the overall effectiveness of each project.

CONCLUSION: Local NGOs are better placed than central government to work sensitively and effectively with marginalized groups for AIDS prevention. The flexibility of NGOs enables them to design messages that specific target groups will respond to.

Keywords: AEGIS, Organizations, Prostitution, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, Consumer Participation, Community Health Services, Human, Male, Child, ICA7KWDaegis,organizations,prostitution,acquiredimmunodeficiencysyndrome,consumerparticipation,communityhealthservices,human,male,child,ica7
910616
WD56

Copyright © 1991 - International AIDS Society (IAS). Reproduction of this abstract (other than one copy for personal reference) must be cleared through the IAS.