6. NGO Support: The Rapid Response Funds 1993-1996
Background
Through NGO Rapid Response Funds (RRF), the AIDSCAP/Brazil program complemented major program areas. In 1993 the Rapid Response Fund mechanism was established to assist NGOs with seed money to develop pilot projects in HIV/AIDS prevention. From 1993 until June 1997, a total of 49 proposals were implemented in the areas of IEC materials production, conducting workshops, training, seminars, conferences, cultural activities (such as theater concerts produced aiming AIDS prevention), capacity building and institutional development, research projects, media campaigns and interventions. These pilot projects were required to educate men in the workplace, women, and adolescents on HIV/AIDS and reproductive health in USAID target geographic areas. During the life of the project (5 years) proposals were selected through a competitive process. Projects were selected with the participation of USAID/Brazil, AIDSCAP/Brazil and AIDSCAP/Washington. Resources were provided to 40 different NGOs to complement major program areas.
Accomplishments
- Trained NGOs to apply to the RRF program in São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Bahia and Ceará.
- Disseminated the RRF program to more than 100 NGOs in Brazil working with HIV/AIDS/STIs and reproductive health.
- Selected proposals submitted by NGOs through a competitive process.
- Provided technical assistance on technical and financial report writing.
- Documented implementation of each RRF in collaboration with the IA.
- Reviewed technical and financial reports. Discussed IA reports whenever needed.
- Constructed final reports of each RRF implemented in Brazil.
- Submitted final reports to USAID/Brazil and AIDSCAP/Washington.
Lessons Learned
Even limited resources can be staffed to produce innovative, creative IEC materials, technical guidelines, research findings and pilot interventions that can complement AIDSCAP major program areas, other donors funding (such as MOH, MacArthur Foundation and Ford Foundation) and thus increase project dimension and outcomes.
Whenever possible RRFs should count upon counterpart contribution(s) from other donor(s).
Process Indicator Summary
| Category |
Total |
| People educated |
715,869 |
| People trained |
2,889 |
| IEC materials distributed |
646,210 |
| Condoms distributed |
304,893 |
| Condoms sold |
211,392 |
| Mass media aired |
52,858 |
| Special events |
7 |
Budget
| Estimated AIDSCAP Expenses |
Counterpart Contribution Agreed |
Verifiable Counterpart Contribution |
| 283,631 |
NA |
279,944 |
The following are short descriptions of all RRF projects:
Ação Anti-AIDS/AIDS Action
| Implementing Agency: |
Associação Brasileira Interdisciplinar de AIDS (ABIA) |
| Year: |
1993 |
| Budget: |
25,000 (committed by USAID/Brazil for ABIA newsletter) |
| Geographic area: |
National |
Background
The AIDS Action, a publication from AHRTAG (Appropriate Health Resources and Technologies Action Group Ltd.), was translated into Portuguese by ABIA, a Brazilian NGO, to be distributed throughout Brazil. This special issue had the objective to increase the technical capacities and the confidence of health educators conducting educational sessions and training activities in HIV/AIDS prevention.
Objectives
To increase access of health educators on how to conduct educational and training sessions and activities in the prevention of HIV/AIDS.
Accomplishments
Translated and edited AIDS Action Number 19 to Portuguese.
Produced and distributed 30,000 samples of AIDS Action in Brazil to health educators, health care providers, people working at NGOs and in the public sector.
Lessons Learned/Recommendations
The translation and dissemination of IEC and technical materials that are evaluated as effective should be encouraged between countries.
Process Indicator Summary
| Category |
Total |
| No. of AIDS action produced and distributed |
30,000 |
| No. of institutions and individuals reached |
30,000 |
One Week HIV/AIDS Prevention Campaign as Part of AIDS
| Implementing Agency: |
ISER - Institute for Religious Studies |
| Year: |
1993 |
| Budget: |
2,600 USD (AIDSCAP) |
| 4,526 USD (counterpart contribution) |
| Geographic area: |
Rio de Janeiro |
Background
ISER is an internationally-known NGO which has been working with community-based AIDS prevention projects for commercial sex workers and transvestites since 1988. ISER received funds through the small grants program to conduct HIV/AIDS/STI prevention activities among sex workers and their clients for a one-week period as part of the AIDS World Day activities. During the campaign ISER showed videos, promoted and distributed condoms and materials.
Objectives
- To develop a one-week HIV/AIDS awareness campaign in Rio de Janeiro.
- To promote safer sex behaviors and distribute condoms.
- To disseminate information on HIV/AIDS through pamphlets, brochures, video presentations and group discussion.
Accomplishments
- Conducted 6 days of activities for 5,000 people. During activities the video Venus Of Fire was shown to CSWs and clients. Video presentation was followed by discussions.
- Performed workshops to demonstrate how to use a condom using cucumbers, bananas and vibrators.
- Distributed 18,000 free condoms, 2,000 leaflets and 250 posters.
- The project team evaluated the street activities as positive based on the response from the audience. This was measured by applause, effective participation and attention/silence during presentations.
- Increased the demand for information and condoms from the target population.
- The coverage of the activities by local and national newspaper and TV networks reached also the general public.
Lessons Learned/Recommendations
The informal, provocative performance of peer educators called the attention of the general population.
The development of activities to CSWs and clients also reached the general public and increased their interest in condom use and informational materials.
Process Indicator Summary
| Category |
Total |
| People reached during activities |
5,000 |
| IEC materials distributed |
2,250 |
| Condoms distributed |
18,000 |
IInd Psychosocial Symposium on HIV/AIDS
| Implementing Agency: |
NEPAIDS - Nucleus for AIDS Prevention at University of São Paulo |
| Year: |
1993 |
| Budget: |
2,696 USD (AIDSCAP) |
| 2,079 USD (counterpart contribution) |
| Geographic area: |
São Paulo |
Background
The Nucleus for AIDS Prevention at University of São Paulo was established by a group of professors, students and professionals from the Referral Center for AIDS (CRT) with the goal to discuss AIDS as a social problem, and with the mission of disseminating information, building networks, conducting research, training students for research and for the implementation of HIV/AIDS prevention programs. Thus, as part of NEPAIDS activities in 1993, a II Symposium on Psychosocial Aspects of HIV/AIDS in São Paulo was developed as part of the AIDSCAP small grants program.
Objectives
- Discuss themes related to responsibility, guilt, AIDS, sexuality and behavioral interventions.
- Update students and professors on current HIV/AIDS epidemiology, anti-HIV vaccine situation, human rights and popular education, health communication and public health issues.
- Develop a theoretical basis for the implementation of practical work.
Accomplishments
- Conducted a 3-day Symposium on the psychosocial repercussions of AIDS. The main topics discussed were Guilt And Responsibility, AIDS, Sexuality And The Body, Behavioral Interventions, Evaluation And Methodologies, Epidemiology, Assistencial Interventions, Rethinking Safer Sex, the experiences with preparatory studies for HIV vaccines in Brazil, and AIDS and Human Rights.
- A total of 150 participants attended to the meeting and 52 presentations were made.
- Distributed 200 condoms, 600 technical support materials and provided two interviews for newspapers and one for the university radio.
- Analyzed evaluation questionnaires which showed that 78 percent of participants considered the opportunity to discuss in small groups relevant themes related to HIV/AIDS as positive. Furthermore the meeting brought together people very committed to HIV/AIDS prevention.
Lessons Learned/Recommendations
The establishment of a nucleus with professors and students from different disciplines interested in HIV/AIDS prevention at a university is an important strategy to be considered as it permits a multidisciplinary and multifaceted approach to HIV/AIDS prevention.
Process Indicator Summary
| Category |
Total |
| Participants |
150 |
| IEC material distributed |
600 |
| Condoms distributed |
200 |
| Spots aired in the media |
2 |
IInd National Meeting for Pediatric AIDS
| Implementing Agency: |
Associação de Auxílio a Criança Portadora de HIV |
| Year: |
1994 |
| Budget: |
3,000 USD (AIDSCAP/USAID) |
| 10,000 USD (counterpart contribution) |
Background
The Associação de Auxílio à Criança Portadora de HIV is a national non-profit organization, with the mission to improve the life of women and children living with HIV/AIDS. In recognition of the relevant increase of HIV/AIDS among women and children, the Associação planned, organized and conducted the II National Meeting on Pediatric AIDS in São Paulo, Brazil during November 27-30, 1994. The meeting was composed of round tables, workshops and plenary sessions, and was an important forum for training and sharing ideas and experiences. The meeting had representatives from the NACP, Ministry of Health, HIV/AIDS/STI State Program, US and a Brazilian Universities as well as AIDSCAP. This meeting was sponsored by AIDSCAP through the NGO small grants program with an important counterpart contribution.
Among the major topics discussed were Epidemiological, Clinical Aspects, Treatment, Prophylactics, Anti-Viral Therapy And The Prevention Of Vertical Transmission, and Nutrition And Prevention Among Adolescents And Children.
Objectives
- To raise awareness among HCPs about pediatric AIDS management and prevention in Brazil.
- To improve the capacity of HCPs and local institutions to manage properly pediatric AIDS.
- To share experiences and provide technical
- guidelines for the proper management and prevention of vertical transmission of HIV.
Accomplishments
- Conducted four-day national meeting for 820 health care providers.
- Distributed 1,400 scientific materials and magazines including 400 copies of the guidelines "Pautas para la Atención clínica del niño infectado por el VIH" produced by the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) in 1994.
- Updated 820 HCPs from 20 Brazilian states, and the state of São Paulo in the management and prevention of HIV among children.
- Established collaboration between Brazilian, US and European institutions in the management and prevention of pediatric AIDS.
Lessons Learned/Recommendations
The counterpart contribution was very important for the implementation of this activity.
Considering that the majority of experiences in the management of pediatric AIDS is concentrated in São Paulo, the meeting was an important forum to discuss technical and practical procedures for the proper management and prevention of pediatric AIDS.
Due to the size of Brazil and the difficulties of reading scientific articles in English, the meeting was an important forum for updating, training and sharing experiences.
Process Indicator Summary
| Category |
Total |
| Participants |
820 |
| Materials distributed |
1,400 |
| Mass/alternate media |
24 articles in two main newspapers and spots run twice a day on three TV channels over three days. |
Evaluation Methodologies on HIV/AIDS Prevention
| Implementing Agency: |
Sociedade Civil Bem-Estar Familiar no Brasil (BEMFAM) |
| Year: |
1994 |
| Budget: |
3,000 USD |
| Geographic area: |
Rio de Janeiro |
Background
BEMFAM is a non-profit organization founded in 1965 with the mission to implement reproductive health and family planning services in collaboration with the public sector, states and municipal governments. In 1993, BEMFAM was able to reach more than 670,000 new clients. Since 1985, BEMFAM has been engaged in AIDS prevention activities. In response to the need to improve evaluation methodologies BEMFAM, in collaboration with AIDSCAP/Brazil, conducted a two-day seminar in Rio de Janeiro to discuss evaluation methodologies in the area of HIV/AIDS prevention.
Objectives
To train ten BEMFAM staff on HIV/AIDS prevention evaluation methodologies.
Accomplishments
- Conducted a two-day workshop with 18 participants, including staff from BEMFAM projects, selected NGOs, universities, IPPF and AIDSCAP/Brazil.
- Participating organizations shared experiences and lessons learned in program design, implementation and project evaluation.
- Held lectures and discussions on quantitative evaluation, the implications of gender and sexuality on evaluation of programs, analysis of the evaluation models used on HIV/AIDS prevention, use of indicators and process data.
Lessons Learned/Recommendations
There is a need for more scheduled meetings between selected professionals to discuss relevant issues in the area of HIV/AIDS evaluation in Brazil.
Process Indicator Summary
| Participants at the seminar: |
18 |
| Printed materials distributed: |
18 seminar kits |
The Sociodrama Group on AIDS (AIDS World Day)
| Implementing Agency: |
Catholic University of São Paulo |
| Year: |
1994 |
| Budget: |
3,000 USD - AIDSCAP |
| Geographic area: |
São Paulo |
Background
The Sociodrama Group on AIDS was organized in 1986 and was organized by three psychodrama psychologists, two of whom specialized in family therapy, and one physician specialized in children and adolescents. The group works with AIDS education and prevention among university and high school students, and factory workers. Through the small grants program USAID/AIDSCAP Brazil supported the "Sociodrama on AIDS" during AIDS World Day and two additional sessions performed at public schools.
Objectives
- To develop HIV/AIDS prevention through sociodrama to adolescents in São Paulo during AIDS World Day.
- To develop two additional sociodrama sessions at public schools.
- To record experiences to be reported as part of a master thesis about the use of sociodrama for AIDS prevention
Accomplishments
- Conducted "Sociodrama on AIDS" for 290 adolescents, teachers and parents at two public schools in poor neighborhoods of São Paulo.
- Activities were recorded through videos and pictures.
- Published a 345-page book on the use of sociodrama for AIDS prevention in which the experience supported by AIDSCAP/USAID was highlighted.
Lessons Learned/Recommendations
A small resource can contribute to relevant academic work by providing written guidelines on how to use sociodrama techniques for HIV/AIDS prevention.
Highly-qualified professionals working directly with the target population is key to delivering an effective HIV/AIDS prevention program.
Process Indicator Summary
| Category |
Total |
| Females trained |
2 |
| Males trained |
2 |
| Females educated |
160 |
| Males educated |
130 |
| Condoms distributed |
290 |
| Materials distributed |
290 |
| Media |
2 videos were produced |
International Symposium on Sexually Transmitted Diseases
| Implementing Agency: |
Centro de Estudos Avançados em Ginecologia |
| Year: |
1994 |
| Budget: |
2,400 USD - AIDSCAP |
| Geographic area: |
São Paulo |
Background
The Center for Advanced Studies in Gynecology (CASG) is a non-profit organization responsible for research and courses in gynecology at the Medical School of the University of São Paulo, Brazil. Since 1992, AIDS is the main cause of death among women of reproductive age in the city of São Paulo. In response to this situation CASG planned, organized and conducted an International Symposium on STI/AIDS with an objective to address specific issues regarding the interaction of HIV/STI among women for gynecologists and other HCPs working in the area of women's health care. The CASG recognized a relevant gap in gynecological care for STIs in women's comprehensive health care.
Objectives
- To increase awareness among HCPs regarding HIV/AIDS interaction with STIs.
- To support the participation of 35 HCPs from São Paulo working in USAID/AIDSCAP STI-related projects.
- To promote the Syndromic Management of STIs.
Accomplishments
- Conducted a two-day International Seminar on STIs in São Paulo, Brazil.
- Out of 175 participants, AIDSCAP supported the participation of 35 HCPs related to the implementation of STI projects in São Paulo.
- Distributed 200 copies of syndromic management brochures and other IEC materials.
- The event was disseminated at "Folha de São Paulo" newspaper (sells more than one-half million daily) through 3 articles and at "O Estado de São Paulo" (sells on average 400,000 copies per day). In addition, the seminar was disseminated on TV (four interviews) and one video was produced.
Lessons Learned/Recommendations
The participation of AIDSCAP/Brazil was very important to disseminate the syndromic approach as the University of São Paulo is a technical opinion maker. However, resistance to use of the syndromic approach for STIs in women is still very high.
There is an important need for research and articles which demonstrate clearly the benefits of using syndromic management for the treatment of STIs.
Involving leaders in the area of gynecology is key to responding to the HIV/AIDS epidemic among women.
Process Indicator Summary
| Category |
Total |
| HCPs participating at the International STI Symposium |
175 |
| Professionals supported by AIDSCAP/Brazil |
35 |
| Materials distributed |
200 |
| Media dissemination |
11 (6 newspapers, 4 TV interviews and one video) |
| People reached through mass media* |
1,700,000 |
*Note: The Estado de São Paulo sells 400,000 per day and Folha half a million. This data does not include TV interviews.
Radio HIV/AIDS Prevention Campaign for Adolescents
| Implementing Agency: |
Centro de Projetos da Mulher (CEMINA) |
| Year: |
1994 |
| Budget: |
3,000 USD (AIDSCAP) |
| 2,000 USD (counterpart contribution) |
| Geographic area: |
Rio de Janeiro |
Background
CEMINA is a NGO specialized in communication for social purposes. CEMINA produces a one-hour daily radio program in Rio de Janeiro and also special programs and campaigns that are distributed to a network of more than 77 radio stations throughout the country. CEMINA has built a good reputation in the development of radio campaigns to promote social issues, thus with the increase of HIV/AIDS cases among adolescents, CEMINA implemented an HIV/AIDS Prevention Campaign through the NGO Rapid Response Fund to adolescents emphasizing the use of condoms.
Objectives
- To create a series of HIV/AIDS radio spots for adolescents using rap and other popular music.
- To raise awareness of HIV/AIDS prevention of the public, especially adolescents.
- To promote condom use through rap and popular music.
- To provide radio HIV/AIDS prevention spots of good quality to the CEMINA radio network.
- To develop a radio HIV/AIDS prevention campaign throughout Brazil.
Accomplishments
- Visited and interviewed several projects in Rio de Janeiro working with adolescents, sexuality and HIV/AIDS prevention.
- Developed scripts for the campaign and discussed with target population for feedback.
- Developed 4 different HIV/AIDS prevention campaigns for radio.
- Sent 70 different radio stations from the CEMINA network a copy of the HIV/AIDS Prevention Campaigns (since 1993 CEMINA has trained journalists from radios with the objective to motivate them to air campaigns on social issues).
Lessons Learned/Recommendations
Due to the small amount of resources and the size of Brazil the evaluation of this activity was limited to the number of radio stations broadcasting the spots. The number of people reached was not recorded. For similar activities a more proper evaluation should be planned and discussed in advance with IA.
Process Indicator Summary
| Category |
Total |
| Materials distributed |
70 kits with 4 AIDS Prevention Campaigns to 70 major radio stations in Brazil |
HIV/AIDS/STI Prevention Conference for Transportation Workers
| Implementing Agency: |
General Confederation of Workers (CGT) |
| Year: |
1994 |
| Budget: |
2,400 USD |
| Geographic Area: |
São Paulo City |
Background
Founded in 1986, CGT -- Confederação Geral dos Trabalhadores -- is a national organization of workers with 600 affiliated unions representing more than 3 million workers. The CGT headquarters is in São Paulo City, the HIV/AIDS epidemic epicenter in Brazil.
Recognizing the vulnerability of transportation workers CGT, in collaboration with AIDSCAP/Brazil, developed a two-day seminar on how to establish HIV/AIDS/STI prevention programs at the workplace.
Objectives
- To train 100 transport workers on the prevention of STI and AIDS to act as peer educators.
- To share experiences on how to develop a HIV/AIDS prevention program in the workplace.
Accomplishments
- Planned, organized and conducted a seminar at FUNDACENTRO for 64 transportation workers.
- Shared experiences on how to implement HIV/AIDS prevention in the workplace with the participation of the private, public and NGO sectors in São Paulo, Brazil.
- Conducted safer sex workshops for transportation workers.
- Distributed 192 condoms and 198 IEC materials.
Lessons Learned/Recommendations
In order to develop a comprehensive and effective HIV/AIDS prevention program with CGT it is necessary to implement a long-term project with the allocation of resources.
It is important to consider unions as a partner for HIV/AIDS prevention. They can be an important mechanism to pressure the private sector to develop HIV/AIDS programs in the workplace.
Process Indicator Summary
| Category |
Total |
| People trained |
64 |
| IEC materials distributed |
198 |
| Condoms distributed |
192 |
IIIrd National Congress of Sex Workers in Rio de Janeiro
| Implementing Agency: |
Davida -- Prostitution, civil rights and health |
| Year: |
1994 |
| Budget: |
2,000.00 USD (AIDSCAP) |
| 12,898.37 USD (counterpart contribution) |
| Geographic Area: |
Country wide |
Background
Davida is a NGO dedicated to the health of outcast groups -- mainly prostitutes, their families and clients -- to conquer low self-esteem and civil stigmas. Founded in 1992, Davida has the mission to organize socially CSWs and thus increase their access to education, health services and knowledge of their human rights. As part of Davida's activities the III National Meeting For Commercial Sex Workers was planned, organized and conducted. AIDSCAP/USAID Brazil cosponsored this meeting through the Rapid Response Fund Program.
Objectives
- To discuss prostitution social organizations, laws and the civil code.
- To discuss child and adolescent prostitution.
- To promote safer-sex behaviors.
- To debate sexual fantasies and their implications on HIV/AIDS and STI prevention and control.
Accomplishments
- Conducted a five-day national meeting with the participation of 60 CSWs representing 14 Brazilian states. An additional 26 professionals representing 18 NGO and four Brazilian public programs also attended.
- A total of 774 condoms and 1,834 copies of IEC materials were distributed during lectures and the overall meeting.
- The national meeting discussed several issues related to prostitution such as the history of prostitution; civil, legal and human rights, child and adolescent prostitution; alternatives for income-generation for older CSWs; sexual fantasies and STI; prostitution and health; and condom social marketing.
- In addition the meeting conducted safer sex workshops, cervical cancer control and showed a series of videos on HIV/AIDS prevention and prostitution.
- Conducted a press conference with extensive media coverage.
- Performed a confraternization ball at Estudantina Dancing on Friday night.
Lessons Learned/Recommendations
Social organization of CSWs and NGOs working with CSWs and their clients are key for the development of sustainable HIV/AIDS prevention programs.
Construction of local, regional and national networks among CSWs are very important to increase their access to civil, legal, human rights, educational and health services.
Process Indicator Summary
| Category |
Total |
| CSWs who participated at the meeting |
60 |
| Professionals from NGO and public sector |
26 |
| IEC materials distributed |
1,834 |
| Condoms distributed |
774 |
Life is a Party, but AIDS is Not for Play
| Implementing Agency: |
Grupo de Apoio e Prevencao da AIDS (GAPA) - Santos |
| Year: |
1994 |
| Budget: |
3,000 USD |
| Geographic Area: |
Santos City |
Background
GAPA - Santos is a legally registered NGO established in 1988 in the city of Santos with the mission to develop prevention and control activities in the area of HIV/AIDS. Santos was well known as the country's AIDS capital with a large number of AIDS cases among women and adolescents. In 1994 GAPA, in collaboration with AIDSCAP/Brazil, developed the campaign Life Is A Party, But AIDS Is Not For Play for adolescents in the city of Santos.
Objectives
- To reach students and the community through trained teachers.
- To produce and distribute IEC materials.
Accomplishments
- Planned, organized and conducted the campaign Life Is A Party, But AIDS Is Not For Play.
- Produced and distributed 10,000 IEC materials.
- Trained 2,500 teachers do develop HIV/AIDS prevention at public schools in Santos.
- Educated 7,000 adolescents and 500 people from the general public.
- Conducted 4 special events with active participation of adolescents.
Lessons Learned/Recommendations
GAPA/Santos committed relevant in-kind counterpart contributions for the implementation of this program.
Participatory techniques are important in the implementation of HIV/AIDS prevention programs.
In the experience of GAPA/Santos, small resources were used in the implementation of a large HIV/AIDS prevention program for adolescents.
Process Indicator Summary
| Category |
Total |
| IEC materials produced and distributed |
10,000 |
| People trained |
2,500 |
| People educated |
7,500 |
| Special events |
4 |
Reflections on the Institutional Management of NGOs:Working in AIDS in Brazil
| Implementing Agency: |
GAPA - São Paulo |
| Year: |
1994 |
| Budget: |
3,000 USD (AIDSCAP) |
| 4,977 USD (counterpart contribution) |
| Geographic area: |
Brazilian NGOs working in AIDS prevention |
Background
The lack of reflection and the construction of a critical vision of our daily work are factors that contribute to the disintegration of activists working at HIV/AIDS-prevention NGOs. Thus to reflect on the role, objectives, and mission of NGOs working with AIDS, GAPA/São Paulo, with the support of AIDSCAP/USAID/Brazil, developed a comprehensive manual that reflects NGO planning, management and evaluation capacity. Furthermore, the manual addresses legal issues in applying for public utility awards.
Objectives
- To produce a manual to serve as an instrument to improve the internal capability of HIV/AIDS NGOs in Brazil to plan, manage and evaluate programs.
- To improve the quality of the prevention and care activities provided by NGOs in working with HIV/AIDS.
- To improve the community images of HIV/AIDS NGOs.
- To provide legal advice on how NGOs can be established as a public utility, benefits and duties.
Accomplishments
Designed and wrote a 127-page manual with the following main topics:
- Social Organization Of NGOs
- Working On AIDS In Brazil
- What Is Planning (What Needs To Be Done? Why It Needs To Be Done? For Whom Needs To Be Done? When? How? How Much? Where? With What? By Whom?)
- Stages of Planning
- Training and Capacity Building
- Training Methodologies
- How To Access the Operational Capacity and the Infrastructure of NGOs Working With AIDS.
The manual analyzes research conducted among 60 Brazilian NGOs. and explores selection, training and supervision of volunteers; home care experiences; legal and ethical issues and how to organize a national HIV NGO meeting.
Produced and distributed 500 copies of the manual to Brazilian NGOs working with AIDS, MOH and state programs working on AIDS and donors.
Lessons Learned/Recommendations
With ongoing capacity-building of NGOs and individuals HIV/AIDS prevention programs will be effective. This is a major role played by FHI and AIDSCAP/Brazil.
Ongoing technical assistance to NGOs is key for the development of effective HIV/AIDS prevention programs.
The production of the manual was important to assist NGO personnel to gain perspective on their work. Quite frequently staff is overwhelmed with the implementation of activities, fundraising, management, etc.
Process Indicator Summary
| Category |
Total |
| Manuals produced and distributed |
500 |
Fala Preta
| Implementing Agency: |
GELEDES - Institute for Black Women |
| Year: |
1994 |
| Budget: |
3,000 USD (AIDSCAP) |
| 2,800 USD (counterpart contribution) |
| Geographic area: |
São Paulo |
Background
Geledes is an NGO funded by black women activists in 1988 to assist low-income black women and youth. The NGO conducts a regular series of reproductive health and rights workshops. In 1994, AIDSCAP/USAID cosponsored Geledes in the design, production and publication of a comprehensive 63-page magazine called Fala Preta to educate low-income black adolescents on the prevention of HIV/AIDS and STI. Fala Preta was distributed as part of a larger intervention project funded by MOH/NACP called "Save Lives".
Objectives
- To design, produce and publish a HIV/AIDS/STI prevention magazine to educate low-income black students.
- To produce educational material that takes into consideration other reproductive health issues such as sexuality, contraception, and the male and the female body.
- To design educational material that raises the self-determination of black youth.
Accomplishments
- Designed, produced and published a 63-page magazine that talks about sex, the human body, contraception, drugs, STI and AIDS using simple and concise language.
- The magazine uses beautiful pictures of young black youth exercising self-confidence and fighting prejudice with the messages "how to deal with prejudice," "use your head," and "black is beautiful."
- Distributed 3,500 IEC materials of which 1,000 were magazines, 1,000 posters, 1,000 buttons, 250 caps and 250 condom pocket purses.
- The magazine Fala Preta was used in a larger intervention project called Salva Vidas (Save Lives) funded by the MOH/NACP under the World Bank loan.
Lessons Learned/Recommendations
The Fala Preta material was so well designed that it is recommended to be reproduced in large-scale for Brazil and other Portuguese-speaking countries.
The STI session takes into consideration the syndromic approach to STI management which is very important to HIV/AIDS programs.
The magazine was constructed taking into consideration the reproductive health agenda.
Process Indicator Summary
| Category |
Total |
| People educated |
1,000 |
| IEC materials distributed |
3,500 |
| Condoms distributed |
250 |
Barão de Limeira Project
| Implementing Agency: |
GENOS International |
| Year: |
1994 |
| Budget: |
3,560 USD (AIDSCAP) |
| 12,500 USD (counterpart contribution) |
| Geographic area: |
São Paulo |
Background
During the period of 1990 -1992, an epidemiological study of HIV1, HIV2, syphilis and hepatitis-B, linked with educational interventions was carried out among low-income commercial sex workers living in downtown São Paulo. Among the major findings, the project results showed that 66 percent of the subjects were positive for syphilis (VDRL/FTA/ABS) and 14 percent of CSWs were positive for HIV1. In July 1992, the intervention and STI care were interrupted due to the lack of resources. Thus, Genos International, a private organization with the mission to develop activities in the areas of human sexuality and STI/AIDS in collaboration with the State Department of Health, submitted a project to AIDSCAP/Brazil to implement face-to-face HIV/STI activities to low-income CSWs living in a 9-story building in downtown São Paulo city. The intervention was composed of a series of strategies including condom distribution, referring individuals to health services for STI diagnosis and treatment, distribution of IEC materials, and counseling during a 6-month period.
Objectives
- Provide, through face-to-face intervention, counseling to 300 low-income prostitutes working in downtown São Paulo City.
- Distribute condoms during intervention activities.
- Refer CSWs to health services to receive diagnosis and treatment of STI.
Accomplishments
Three public and university institutions were contacted to refer CSWs for the diagnosis and treatment of STIs: The School of Public Health from the University of São Paulo, the Referral Center for Women's Health, and the Out Care Unit ERSA, a clinic for the treatment of drug abuse. DKT do Brazil was contacted and a total of 5,000 condoms and IEC materials such as posters, coasters, matches, etc. were donated as part of the promotional materials.
A total of 1,000 booklets for CSWs were donated by the AIDSCAP country office in Brazil.
The MOH/NACP donated a total of 14,400 condoms for this project, as well as folders and posters.
During the life of the project a total of 1,326 CSWs and their clients were reached by project activities, of which 1,304 were CSWs and 22 were clients.
A total of 31,976 condoms were distributed during intervention activities and 1,615 IEC materials were distributed.
A total of 37 CSWs were referred to health centers for health treatment.
As part of the evaluation activities, Genos International, the State Department of Health in São Paulo, and the School Of Public Health, developed a KABP survey and seroprevalence of HIV1 and HTVL1 study among 78 CSWs. The kits were donated to Embrabio, and a total of 82.98 percent reported always using condoms.
Trained 4 HCPs (3 female and 1 male) to work with CSWs.
Lessons Learned/Recommendations
The collaboration between different institutions from the public and private sectors was essential to answer the needs of this project.
STI care for CSWs should be provided on-site as they have very little access to existing services. Mobile trailers and other alternatives must be considered.
Mental health care, especially for drug users, is an important need, otherwise prevention efforts will not be effective.
A more complex, long-term intervention is still an urgent need for CSWs and their clients in downtown São Paulo.
Process Indicator Summary
| Category |
Total |
| Females trained |
03 |
| Males trained |
01 |
| CSWs (female) educated |
1,304 |
| Condoms distributed |
31,976 |
| Articles published in the media |
2 |
| IEC kits distributed |
1,615 |
Development of IEC materials for Civil Construction Workers
| Implementing Agency: |
Central Union of Workers (CUT) |
| Year: |
1994 |
| Budget: |
3,000 USD |
| Geographic area: |
São Paulo City |
Background
The Central Union of Workers/CUT, the largest central trade union in Brazil, assembles 2,186 trade unions, which represent 4.6 million associated workers. CUT operates in all sectors of workers defense and conditions of living. In 1994, epidemiological data on AIDS in São Paulo City reported AIDS as the first cause of death among women and the second among men 20-40 years of age. Considering the vulnerability of civil construction workers to HIV/AIDS, CUT in collaboration with AIDSCAP, developed IEC materials to be distributed at civil construction plants.
Objectives
- To increase the adoption of safer-sex behaviors among civil construction workers.
- To promote the use of condoms among managers/syndicalists and workers.
- To produce clear, concise IEC materials on the prevention of HIV/AIDS.
Accomplishments
- Designed, pre-tested and produced a leaflet on HIV/AIDS prevention for civil construction workers.
- Distributed 15,000 leaflets and 15,000 condoms to civil construction workers during the project activities.
- Educated 15,000 construction workers through peer educators.
Lessons Learned/Recommendations
CUT was able to train peer educators and to implement an intervention project for civil construction workers. The AIDSCAP contribution was to produce and distribute IEC materials.
Process Indicator Summary
| Category |
Total |
| People educated |
15,000 |
| Condoms distributed |
15,000 |
| IEC materials distributed |
15,000 |
Women and AIDS: Sex and Pleasure Without Fear
| Implementing Agency: |
MCCS - Women, Children, Citizenship and Health |
| Year: |
1994 |
| Budget: |
3,000 USD AIDSCAP |
| Geographic Area: |
São Paulo |
Background
The Women, Children, Citizenship and Health (MCCS) is a non-profit organization, founded in 1989, with the mission to implement activities in the area of reproductive health and rights including AIDS. In 1994, AIDSCAP provided support to update, review, edit, design and produce the matrix of a manual called "Women and AIDS: Pleasure Without Fear". The manual is a 95-page book that teaches step-by-step what AIDS is, forms of transmission, prevention, contraception, STIs, and also basic knowledge about the human body. In addition, the manual teaches through five modules techniques for group discussion as well as evaluation. The manual also includes the rights of people living with HIV/AIDS and a list of services and NGOs working with AIDS.
Objectives
- Design and produce the final version and the matrix of the manual "Women and AIDS: Pleasure Without Fear" based upon material that was produced and pre-tested among target group.
- Inform and sensitize professionals to develop HIV/AIDS prevention programs for women.
- Give 20,000 professionals willing to work with HIV/AIDS prevention among female adolescents and women access to well-designed materials.
Accomplishments
- A comprehensive, well-designed model was produced for the prevention of HIV/AIDS/STIs among women.
- The NGO MCCS was able to accumulate resources from USAID/AIDSCAP/Brazil, the World Council of Churches, National AIDS Control Program from MOH, and the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) and produce 1,000 copies of the manual in the first edition and 11,000 in the second edition. Additional copies are being made by the MOH/NACP to be distributed countrywide as an effort to increase HIV/AIDS prevention programs for women.
- AIDSCAP provided resources for the review, update and matrix development. Other donors provided resources for different phases of this project such as pre-testing, reproduction, and training of educators.
Lessons Learned/Recommendations
The use of the manual using participatory methodologies allows participants to review experiences, fears and difficulties in the exercise of sexuality. It also establishes a sense of closeness and permits discussions of doubts, questions related to AIDS, and sexuality.
A well-elaborated material has facilitated women's groups and NGO working with AIDS/HIV prevention to discuss various techniques and dynamics that stimulates group discussion and reflection.
HIV/AIDS/STI prevention should always be considered part of a large reproductive health and rights approach. Male and female anatomy, contraceptive methods, relationship with partners, pleasure, and the transmission of other STI s are important themes and need to be considered in the design of effective HIV/AIDS prevention programs for women.
Working close to women in small groups is an important learning experience. Some women had never touched a condom and did not know how to put it on or take it off. Thus, training women in the use of condoms and water-based lubricants in small groups conducted in a informal manner is a strategy that should always be considered.
Most women who had negative perceptions about the male condom had never used one.
Process Indicator Summary
| Category |
Total |
| Manuals produced and distributed |
12,0001 |
1The matrix and laser film were produced by AIDSCAP/USAID. The reproduction of 1,000 was funded by MOH, the World Council of Churches and São Paulo State Department of Health.
An additional 11,000 copies (second edition) were re-printed with resources from the government of São Paulo and were distributed to high school teachers.
