14th International AIDS Conference


Barcelona, Spain - July 7-12, 2002

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Peer education on HIV/AIDS and sex in secondary and higher secondary schools in Nepal: practicalities, problem and solutions.

Int Conf AIDS 2002 Jul 7-12; 14:(abstract no. A10023)

Gautam R, Timsina Y, Bhadra R, Rana B, Bista KP, Pokharel B
BP Memorial Health Foundation, Kathmandu, Nepal

ISSUE: Peer education has emerged as a major strategy in prevention of HIV/STD infection and dealing with sex related issues in Nepal. The program has faced several problems in its implementation. More of our effort is needed to support this strategy to make the program more effective.

DESCRIPTION: This program has developed methodology, designed training, and has support-mechanism (orientations, capacity building) for effective peer education in 27 secondary and higher secondary schools. It has implemented new strategies in peer selection, supervision and motivation of the peer educators. A total of 281 peer educators (PEs) were trained to educate on HIV/AIDS, STD and sexuality issues to more than 9,500 students through formal and informal approach and competitive entertaining. The program supported PEs e.g. training 21 youth club members, 13 media agencies, 9 service centers and advocacy in the secondary and higher secondary schools.

LESSON LEARNED: Though basically formal and informal, peer education program should be implemented with clear and well-designed purpose and activities and multi-pronged approach is needed to create supportive environment for peer education program and to reduce barrier. Capacity building and sense of ownership among PEs will help in smooth conduction and sustainability, regarding HIV/AIDS, STD, sexual and adolescents/youth reproductive health issues. The peer education will bring positive changes in all aspects of knowledge, attitude and behavior. Students have identified "peer-education" as most significant source of information regarding sexual issues. Peer education has significant influence among friends to behave in "safer" way and reduce sex and drug abuse.

RECOMMENDATIONS: If community-based organizations realize the need and get involved in HIV/AIDS and STD program, programs will be sustainable but effective training with intensive technical assistance and minimum non monetary incentive will be required.

Keywords: AEGIS, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, HIV Infections, Coitus, Schools, HIV Seropositivity, Sex Education, Adolescent Behavior, Students, Nepal, Adolescent, Adolescence, HumanKWDaegis,acquiredimmunodeficiencysyndrome,hivinfections,coitus,schools,hivseropositivity,sexeducation,adolescentbehavior,students,nepal,adolescent,adolescence,human

020707
A10023

Copyright © 2002 - International AIDS Society (IAS). Reproduction of this abstract (other than one copy for personal reference) must be cleared through the IAS.