Project Information
| Project Name: | Gitarama AIDS Prevention Project |
| Project Description: | |
| The AIDS epidemic reached a critical stage in Rwanda even prior to April 1994. Seroprevalence data indicated that one-third of sexually active adults in Kigali were infected with HIV. In rural areas the seroprevalence was .5-4%The legacy of the 1994 genocide is painfully evident in Rwanda and its impact on HIV transmission as a result of social upheaval, rape, massive population movements and the subsequent formation of IDP and refugee camps is daunting, particularly for the country's rural populations. It is imperative that a concerted effort be made for HIV prevention in the rural areas before seroprevalence rates soar to the levels found in Kigali.
CARE's HIV/AIDS Prevention Project in Gitarama Prefecture is the first 12 month phase of an anticipated three-year program to be implemented in Rwanda. The goal of this first phase is to stabilize or reduce sexually transmitted disease (STD) prevalence in the population centers. The purpose of the project is to reduce high risk sexual behavior among targeted populations. By disseminating Information, Education and Communication (IEC) messages through peer counseling among target clusters, CARE will reach approximately 60,000 Gitarama Prefecture residents - primarily youth (15-19 years) and single women (20-35 years). CARE will incorporate the following interdependent strategic approaches in the project: 1. Formative, participatory research to establish current knowledge, attitudes, behavior and sexual practices. 2. IEC materials development (pre- and post-war messages) and modification based on formative research, target group input and project experience. 3. IEC dissemination and condom distribution through peer education to target groups. In order to achieve the final goal, two inputs are expected to be met through the project: 1. A targeted, comprehensive post-war IEC program developed and established by integrating results from the KABP, FGDs, pre-testing and counterpart input. 2. Effective and appropriate IEC education activities, using pre- and post-war messages, established and implemented by 300 peer educators throughout the prefecture. The project will develop and maintain close ties with the national AIDS Control Program (NACP), the Gitarama regional medical director (MEDIRESA), and local authorities. CARE will also collaborate with CIDC, ARBEF, AIDSCAP and PSI in training, IEC development and dissemination and condom distribution. | |
| Country: | Rwanda (View Country Profile) |
| Sector: | Reproductive Health |
| Type: | Development |
| Project Number: | RWA035 |
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