AEGiS-14IAC: Male Responsibility Towards HIV Free Society: An Awareness Generation Program run by Youth Groups from Red Light Areas of Calcutta.

14th International AIDS Conference


Barcelona, Spain - July 7-12, 2002

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Male Responsibility Towards HIV Free Society: An Awareness Generation Program run by Youth Groups from Red Light Areas of Calcutta.

Int Conf AIDS 2002 Jul 7-12; 14:(abstract no. TuPeF5333)

Basu SB
Sanlaap, Calcutta, India

BACKGROUND: It was proved through different studies that sexually active males who live in red light areas have multiple sexual partners and often get infected by HIV and transmits it to others. Till date there is no specific programme implemented to meet specific needs of this group. These people, who has a typical masculine gender construction, is difficult to reach by anybody other than people from their own community.

METHODS: In 2000, we have started our adolescent and youth programme in three red light areas of Calcutta. Young adults were identified and they have gone through a befriending process. Then we have organised weekly meetings get-togethers and other recreational activities. Group members were oriented on issues regarding HIV and AIDS along with issues like violence, substance abuse, sexuality and gender. We have developed networks with other service providing organisations and implemented health and counselling services for those youth. A group of selected members have gone through trainings and workshops specifically on HIV/AIDS. After that these members were mobilised enough to work in the community. They have organised awareness sessions and camps along with one to one interaction with other males.

RESULTS: Males took initiative to join the sessions and the awareness camps. After which they became empathetic towards PLWAs of their community. Reported cases of HIV and other STDs raised as males started visiting health clinics instead of going to local quacks.

CONCLUSION: Youth have the potential to respond to the HIV pandemic and suspend the rapid spread of HIV infection amongst the male population and peers if we can make them concerned about the roles and responsibilities of males towards the society.

Keywords: AEGIS, HIV Infections, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, Sex Behavior, HIV Seropositivity, Adolescent Health Services, Counseling, Adolescent Psychology, Adolescent Behavior, Adolescent, Human, Male, Adolescence, AdultKWDaegis,hivinfections,acquiredimmunodeficiencysyndrome,sexbehavior,hivseropositivity,adolescenthealthservices,counseling,adolescentpsychology,adolescentbehavior,adolescent,human,male,adolescence,adult

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TuPeF5333

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