Preventing HIV/AIDS among Young People & Children
Majority of the population in the tribal areas of Vadodara district are facing various hardships due to various factors like poverty, unemployment, poor nutrition, to name a few. These prevalent conditions make them all the more vulnerable to indulging in risky behavior. This has exposed them to the increased transmission of HIV/AIDS.
The National Population Policy as well as the State Population Plan has recognized adolescents as one of the under served population groups. It becomes relevant to cater to this group of people as they constitute almost 22% of the total population and are more vulnerable to the risk of being exposed to HIV / AIDS transmission. The AIDS Awareness Program reaches out to the youth through Peer Educators (PEs).
HIV/AIDS Awareness among young children and people supported by UNICEF, was undertaken in 318 villages of Karjan, Chhota Udepur and Padra talukas of Vadodara district, covering 1,39,300 adolescent population. Training of Peer Educators and their capacity building was one of the most important aspects for the success of AIDS awareness program. Total 1400 PEs participated in the training programs for orientation to the subject and developing effective communication skills. It was a highly strategic move to involve the PEs as young people are most influenced by their peers.
Peer Educators’ Reorientation Training in Padra, Karjan and Chhota Udepur Taluka
During year 2007-2008, as a follow up, Reorientation training program of 565 Peer Educators from amongst 1400 PEs was undertaken to train them on HIV/AIDS awareness, safe motherhood and child development program. The training program provided an opportunity to share the problems and issues faced by PEs during their experience in the field and to sensitize them about their role during implementation of various government schemes like Mamta Abhiyan and Chiranjivi Yojna. They were also made to understand the importance of networking with organizations like Asha, Grammitra, Swayamsevak, Meenamanch, how to set up Gram Yuva Kendras and disseminate information and literature related to HIV/AIDS awareness.
Intensive Rural AIDS Awareness Program (IRAAP)
This program is supported by GSACS (Gujarat State AIDS Control Society) and is specifically designed to cater to this population. IRAAP was implemented in 300 villages of Karjan, Chhota Udepur and Dabhoi talukas of Vadodara district covering 4, 78, 423 people with focus on women. Awareness on a mass scale was generated through slogan writing (3000 slogans) and painting messages on the walls (475 walls). Various doubts and questions related top HIV/AIDS raised by the people were addressed. Results in the form of significant rise in demand and supply of condoms, 119 condoms depots were established.
