Project Objective & Brief Description: |
The project objective was to improve the
capacity of the non-governmental organizations working on regional level and in
Minsk city to organize effective planning aimed in conducting of HIV/AIDS/STDs
preventive activities based on harm reduction strategy among highly vulnerable
groups of risk (Men having sex with men and Female sex workers).
Although injection drug use still remains the main channel of
HIV transmission (accounting for around 80% of HIV cases in 1996), the
proportion of those infected with HIV through heterosexual and homosexual
contact has grown rapidly (from 7.44% in 1996 to 30.5% in 1999). In a
significant proportion of these cases, HIV has been transmitted through
prostitutes and homosexuals. The danger is compounded by the prevalence of
high-risk behaviour among prostitutes and their clients, as well as among
homosexuals, as suggested by the high incidence of sexually transmitted diseases
within those groups.
The project aimed to alter this behaviour by building the
capacity of NGOs to train councillors and peer educators to work directly with
high-risk groups, educating the public on condom use and other prevention
techniques. The key implementing partner in this project was the Belarus
Association of UNESCO Clubs, which works in collaboration with regional AIDS
prevention centres and a number of local NGOs. |
