14th International AIDS Conference Barcelona, Spain - July 7-12, 2002

Int Conf AIDS 2002 Jul 7-12; 14:(abstract no. F11784)

Bhatacharya RD, Upadhyay J, Jani H, Doria C, Patel R
Director GAP-ISRCDE, Ahmedabad, India

ISSUES: The primary stakeholder of the project was men at High Risk Behaviour .The study had been carried out at different sites, where conglomeration of groups could be identified because of occupational reasons. Targeted Intervention was carried out on different professional groups like drivers, construction workers, migrant population and Diamond Polishers. Objectives of the project was to increase the level of awareness, motivate to health seeking behaviour thus reducing the incidence of HIV/AIDS/STDs seeking a perceptible change in their behaviour pattern. For sustainability of the project Peer educators were recruited and trained.

DESCRIPTION: The operations were carried out by trained staff who surveyed and mapped the sites, carried out need assessment, established an enabling environment for operation. Through appropriate IEC/BCC materials, targeted interventions carried out. Quality services- counselling, STD treatment, easy access to condom were extended. The ongoing project's report contains output from 5 years interaction. Lessons learned &

RECOMMENDATIONS: Altogether 10,45,537 men were contacted during the period, 3,45,296 information booklet & 1,35,485 handouts in the regional language were distributed. Free supply of condoms registered were 300,21,452. STD cases identified were 7887, out of which 4880 cases were treated in GAP's clinic. Though it is difficult to register immediate impact of the programme, observations clearly demonstrate that there is a slow but perceivable change in the behavioural pattern and attitude in the target groups. Overt changes: 1.Number of field interactions have been increased 2. More openness amongst the beneficiaries. 3. High level of awareness about HIV/AIDS and STDs 4. 75 % Increase in condom pick up. 5. Skills on condom use which has reduced the complaints against the quality of condoms. 6. Improvement in health seeking behaviour 7. The peer educators are well trained to carry out the work by themselves.

020707
F11784

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