17 July, 2007 - The UNDP project « Prevention of HIV, AIDS and STIs among Commercial Sex Workers on Highways” has launched a new awareness–launching initiative in collaboration with Radius–FM Radio. The initiative entitled “Crossroads” aims to increase awareness of HIV/AIDS and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among long–haul drivers and the general public.

The initiative “Crossroads” is comprised of two phases, to be implemented in July–August and in October–November 2007. Interms of content, “Crossroads” will feature social advertisement, expert interviews on HIV and STIs, reports on the UNDP project, stories on issues faced by road–based commercial sex workers, and rapid polls on the moral and ethical aspects of HIV and STI prevention.

“Crossroads” will contribute to health promotion, make the audiences more aware of the modes of HIV/AIDS and STI transmission and better informed about where to go for anonymous testing when necessary. All this information should raise public awareness of the problem, and can save lives,” says Elena Treschinskaya, Deputy Director of RadiusFM.

“Crossroads” is the first initiative on HIV/AIDS and STI prevention of its kind in Belarusto be implemented over the radio. I hope that it will draw the attention of a greater number of radio listeners to the vulnerability of women and girls who have become victims of sexual exploitation, says AlinaOstling, Projects Coordinator at the UNDP Office in Belarus.

The UNDP Project “Prevention of HIV, AIDS and STIs among Commercial Sex Workers on Highways” has been implemented since April 2007 with support from the UN Joint Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS). As one of its main objectives, the project aims to raise awareness and deepen understanding of the HIV/AIDS and STI problem among the risk groups, and convince them to adopt safer behaviours.

As of 1 July 2007, the total number of registered HIV cases reached 8,291. The share of sexually transmitted infections has been rising steadily in recent years, representing 62.7% of all HIV cases registered in the past six months. Of all HIV cases, 2,838 (34.2:) concern women, and 5,453 (65.4:) concern men.

For more information please refer to Olga Satsuk, Project PR Specialist, 276–25–93, 403–96–44 (mobile) or Elena Rodionova, Project Manager, 405–20–11 (mobile).

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