HIV/AIDS Prevention for Clients of Male Prostitutes
| Implementing Agency: |
NOSS - Nucleus of Orientation in Social Health |
| Year: |
1994 |
| Budget: |
3,000.00 USD (AIDSCAP) |
| 4,300.00 USD (counterpart contribution) |
| Geographic Area: |
Rio de Janeiro |
Background
NOSS is a non-governmental, non-profit organization established in 1991 with the mission to provide HIV/AIDS prevention skills to socially-alienated people, among whom are male sex workers and their clients in Rio de Janeiro. Building upon the experience established through the "Pegação" project among young male sex workers, NOSS identified the need to reach the male clients and produced IEC materials to reach this target population with the collaboration of AIDSCAP/Brazil Rapid Response Fund Program.
Objectives
- To produce a leaflet to reach young prostitutes and clients.
- To promote safer sex behaviors in two languages with the purpose of reaching foreign clients.
Accomplishments
- Designed, pre-tested and produced leaflets in two languages.
- Distributed 10,000 leaflets together with condoms through 10 trained male prostitutes (peer educators). An average of 1,000 leaflets was distributed per month during project activities.
- Leaflets contents were attractive with clear and concise information and easy to carry.
Lessons Learned/Recommendations
The production of a specific leaflet to target male prostitutes' clients facilitated the contact of peer educators with the target population.
There is an important constraint in reaching clients of young male prostitutes since these clients want anonymity, privacy and often hide their homosexual behavior.
Process Indicator Summary
| Category |
Total |
| People educated |
10,000 |
| IEC materials distributed |
10,000 |
| Condoms distributed |
10,000 |
Translation of the Population Reports - Controlling Sexually Transmitted Diseases (series L, number 9 - Issues in World Health - June 1993)
| Implementing Agency: |
Polimathé Ideias |
| Year: |
1994 |
| Budget: |
1,500 USD - AIDSCAP |
| Geographic Area: |
National |
Background
Considering the need to have updated technical materials in Portuguese to implement the STI management component of AIDSCAP/Brazil, the translation of the Population Reports Controlling Sexually Transmitted Diseases (series L, number 9 - Issues in World Health - June 1993) was achieved through the Rapid Response Fund program.
A consultant working in the area of journalism, publishing and translation of medical journals translated the material.
The translation of the material was key for the training of HCP peer educators and was extensively used by AIDSCAP IAs. A copy of the translation was also sent to the MOH/NACP.
Objectives
- Disseminate correct information on STIs.
- Provide support through educational technical material to existing projects on STI in the country.
- Contribute to the implementation of AIDSCAP and MOH/World Bank STI project.
Accomplishments
- Translated and revised the publication Controlling Sexually Transmitted Diseases (series L, number 9 - Issues in World Health - June 1993 - Population Reports).
- Distributed 200 copies to NGO and public institutions such as the MOH/NACP in São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, working in the field of AIDS/HIV/STI prevention and control programs.
- Authorization for translation was obtained from the population reports.
- The translation was reviewed with technical assistance from the Institute of Tropical Medicine, Belgium.
Lessons Learned/Recommendations
HIV/AIDS/STI programs always should seek good technical materials that can be easily used and accessible to HCPs from different backgrounds. It is generally more cost effective to translate good existing technical material rather than producing new materials.
Process Indicator Summary
| Category |
Total |
| Copies distributed |
2001 |
| Number of professionals reached |
200 |
1This does not include copies that were distributed at the level of IAs.
Dance with Life
| Implementing Agency: |
SOS Adolescent |
| Budget: |
3,000 USD (AIDSCAP) |
| 4,530 USD (counterpart contribution) |
| Geographic Area: |
Campinas and São Paulo |
Background
SOS adolescent is a non-profit NGO located in Campinas, the second largest city in São Paulo, with the mission to improve health and education of adolescents. In 1994 as part of the AIDSCAP/Brazil Rapid Response Fund Program, SOS developed an innovative street theater presentation called "Dance With Life" composed of big puppets (larger than human size) with wooden legs, torch juggling, and live music to educate adolescents on HIV/AIDS prevention.
Objectives
- To provide HIV/AIDS education to adolescents using theater techniques.
- To develop a participatory methodology involving adolescents on HIV/AIDS prevention through street theater presentations.
Accomplishments
- Created and developed big puppets (larger than human size).
- Constructed and rehearsed the play with the technical assistance and collaboration of the theater group called Alquimia.
- Held five presentations of the street play for HIV/AIDS prevention for 1,540 adolescents and the general public. One presentation was conducted during AIDS World Day.
- Distributed 2,700 condoms and 5,140 IEC materials.
- Published 8 articles about the play in different newspapers and 2 radio stations. A total of 4 newspaper ads were published to announce Dance With Life activities.
- Presented the play in five strategically located sites: downtown Campinas, at the II Annual Meeting For Adolescents, at a park, inside a high school gymnasium and in poor neighborhoods.
Lessons Learned/Recommendations
Innovative, creative and participatory methodologies using drama techniques are excellent tools for HIV/AIDS prevention.
The involvement of a professional drama group is essential to develop an effective HIV/AIDS popular street theater.
Process Indicator Summary
| Category |
Total |
| People at presentations |
1,540 |
| IEC materials distributed |
5,140 |
| Condoms distributed |
2,700 |
| Articles mass/alternate media |
08 |
Door to Door HIV/AIDS Prevention at Slums in São Paulo
| Implementing Agency: |
CRI - Associação Criança Querida |
| Year: |
1995 |
| Budget: |
3,000.00 USD (AIDSCAP) |
| 5,700.00 USD (counterpart contribution) |
| Geographic Area: |
São Paulo |
Background
The pauperization phenomenon of the HIV/AIDS epidemic in São Paulo has been described in several studies. CRI-Criança Querida, a NGO with the mission to bring health education and well-being to children, adolescents and families decided the first step to those living in slums was developing a door-to-door HIV prevention program to assess the level of knowledge on HIV/AIDS. After using the questionnaire, trained professionals from CRI provided specific information on HIV/AIDS and counseling according to poor families' needs.
Objectives
- To provide door-to-door visits to low-income populations living in slums of São Paulo during a two-month period.
- To interview 200 families to assess their level of knowledge on HIV/AIDS through a structured questionnaire.
- To provide door-to-door HIV/AIDS education to low income populations.
- To develop and present a play composed by slum residents on HIV/AIDS prevention using the assessment findings to construct the script and scenarios.
- To develop a leaflet called Living Well In Times Of AIDS to distribute to the target population.
Accomplishments
- Planned and designed a standard questionnaire to assess the level of AIDS information and prejudice among families living in 3 slums in the south region of São Paulo City.
- Interviewed 212 adults (109 women and 103 men) during the month of August 1995. The major findings were 58.7 percent of the population had good or excellent information on AIDS (82 percent of answers were correct); only one individual answered less than 50 percent of questions properly. However a relevant number of participants (25 percent) reported they do not believe that condoms are effective in preventing the sexual transmission of AIDS. Seventy-five percent of the people interviewed reported that their main source of information is the media; 93 percent through TV. The study also identified that 40.5 percent of the individuals know someone with HIV or AIDS. However 77.8 percent of the men and 83.64 percent of the women reported no condom use.
- Conducted 3 courses for 75 people to raise awareness on HIV/AIDS prevention.
- Developed a popular street play based on assessment findings and presented it to the populations of 3 slums.
- Presented the HIV/AIDS prevention play 4 times during AIDS World Day in Tokyo, Japan per invitation of the government of Japan. In addition it was presented in Chile, Ecuador and Paraguay.
- Distributed 5,000 IEC materials and 25,000 condoms during assessment (door-to-door visits) and during play presentations in São Paulo.
Lessons Learned/Recommendations
The development of interventions that are complemented by quantitative and/or qualitative studies increases the quality of the interventions implemented.
The use of popular street theater with the participation of the community is an important strategy to fight prejudice and to increase solidarity among people living with HIV/AIDS.
STI Diagnosis and Treatment in a Family Planning Program
| Implementing Agency: |
Maternidade Assis Chateaubriand (MEAC) - Universidade Federal do Ceará |
| Year: |
1995 |
| Budget: |
5,000 USD (AIDSCAP) |
| 21,038 USD (counterpart contribution) |
| Geographic Area: |
Fortaleza |
Background
The Maternidade Assis Chateaubriand (MEAC) is a teaching hospital that belongs to the Federal University of Ceará. Its family planning services started in 1979 and since 1984 has been considered by the MOH a referral center for the Federal Comprehensive Women's Health Program. MEAC assists mainly women living in the city of Fortaleza and the surrounding districts. In the light of HIV/AIDS increase among women and considering the synergism between STI and HIV, MEAC in collaboration with AIDSCAP-Brazil, developed strategies to improve the diagnosis and treatment of STIs at the MEAC Family Planning clinic.
Objectives
- To improve the diagnosis and treatment of STIs in a family-planning clinic in Fortaleza, Ceará.
Accomplishments
- A total of 4,665 women and their partners were educated, among those 1,251 received face-to-face counseling.
- A total of 10,300 condoms were distributed over the life of the project.
- A standard questionnaire was developed to assess the risk of women and their partners attending the MEAC clinic in Fortaleza.
- From June 1 until August 15 1996, a total of 349 new women were interviewed to assess their risk for HIV/STI.
- Out of 349, a total of 241 (69 percent) were considered low risk; 57 (16 percent) were considered medium risk and 51 (14.7 percent) were considered high risk for HIV/STI.
- Based upon risk assessment women received counseling, condoms and contraceptive methods.
- All 51 women with symptoms of STI were treated using the syndromic approach guidelines. Furthermore bacterioscopies, VDRL/FTA/ABS, pap smears, wet mount (CV+10 percent KOH) pH, and Elisa were performed as needed.
- Treatment was offered for all partners of women with symptoms of STI.
- STI drugs and condoms were distributed free to women and their sexual partners.
Lessons Learned/Recommendations
The collaboration with AIDSCAP allowed MEAC, a family planning clinic, to integrate STI care to at-risk women and their sexual partners.
The integration of family planning with STI/HIV through a study, especially in a teaching hospital, is an important strategy.
Process Indicator Summary
| Category |
Total |
| Women and men educated |
4,665 |
| Women that received counseling (face to face) |
1,251 |
| IEC materials distributed |
1,399 |
| Condoms distributed |
10,300 |
Distribution of BCC Materials for CSW
| Implementing Agency: |
Associação Piracema |
| Year: |
1995 |
| Budget: |
Donation of 500 CSW booklets |
| Geographic Area: |
São Paulo |
Background
The Association Piracema is a NGO with the mission to work in the comprehensive care of female commercial sex workers in São Paulo, Brazil. In light of the increase of HIV/AIDS and STIs among female CSWs, the Associação Piracema applied for a Rapid Response Fund to produce a brochure for female commercial sex workers. In 1994 the book "Everything You Always Would Like To Know And Have The Courage To Ask About Sex, Condoms, STI, Drugs, AIDS, Gynecology" published by Veronica Hughes was donated to AIDSCAP. It was recognized as the best didactic material of the year. This book produced for female CSWs was based upon 1,200 questions of CSWs and the questions were answered in a clear, easy and concise manner. Considered by specialists as a "piece of art" for the prevention of AIDS, this book was donated to Associação Piracema to be used during their intervention activities.
Objectives
- To provide a well-designed, pre-tested, glossy, glamorous, technically appropriate booklet on HIV/AIDS/STI prevention to female commercial sex workers living in São Paulo.
Accomplishments
- AIDSCAP/Brazil donated 500 HIV/AIDS STI prevention books to Associação Piracema.
- Associação Piracema distributed 500 books to female CSWs during educational interventions.
Lessons Learned/Recommendations
A well-designed, pre-tested material of good quality can be reproduced for wide use.
The donation of the first edition of 5,000 books by Veronica Hughes was estimated at 50,000 USD.
Process Indicator Summary
| Category |
Total |
| Female CSWs educated |
500 |
| IEC materials distributed |
500 |
The KABP Study Among Low Income High School Students in Salvador
| Implementing Agency: |
Associação Baiana de Apoio, Prevenção, Terapia e Pesquisa do Abuso de Drogas (ABAPEQ) |
| Year: |
1996 |
| Budget: |
5,000 USD - AIDSCAP |
| Geographic Area: |
Salvador |
Background
Considering the lack of data on the knowledge, attitudes, behaviors and practices among youth in Salvador, Bahia, ABAPEQ with the technical assistance of AIDSCAP/Brazil Country Office conducted a study among public high schools students of poor neighborhoods in Salvador, Bahia.
Objectives
- To assess AIDS prevention, information, knowledge, behavior, sexual practices and drug use among high school students in downtown Salvador.
Accomplishments
- Designed and pre-tested a standard questionnaire.
- Trained study team and discussed study protocol.
- Contacted schools administration to discuss the study and schools participation.
- Gave 154 questionnaires to students (33 percent were male and 73.3 percent female) between 14 to 17 years of age.
Data was processed and analyzed with the following major findings:
- 48 percent of the women and 8 percent of the men reported never having had a sexual relationship.
- Among those who reported sexual relationships (52 percent of women and 92 percent of men); anal sex was reported by 33.3 percent of men and 7.7 percent of women; vaginal intercourse (89.85 percent) of the men and 71.8 percent of the women, oral sex was reported by 40.5 percent of men and 17 percent of women. 92.6 percent of men and 96.3 percent of women reported having a regular sexual partner. In reference to condom use, sexually active women reported that 60 percent did not use a condom in the last 6 months; 16 percent used them 50 percent of time, and 20 percent use them all the time.
- In reference to men and condom use: 37.4 percent did not use condoms in the last 6 months, 61 percent used them 50 percent of time and 43.8 percent used them always. None of the women with regular partners reported condom use during anal sex. 33 percent of female and 36 percent of male respondents reported condom use during casual sex. The major reasons for not using a condom were trust in their partners, being in love, use of other contraceptive methods, lack of erection, use of drugs.
- Male adolescents expressed in different ways their opinions about condoms such as: 56.9 percent reported that condoms decrease sexual pleasure; 34.8 percent reported that condoms are an impediment for a good sexual relationship; 77.5 percent reported that condoms are easy to use; 62.8 percent reported that condoms can be used with pleasure, 80.4 percent reported that condoms are a good contraceptive method.
- Female adolescent opinions about condoms were: 49.3 percent reported that condoms decrease sexual pleasure; 76.5 percent reported that they think condoms are easy to use and 79.7 percent reported that condoms can be used with pleasure.
All participants received IEC materials, counseling and condoms.
Lessons Learned/Recommendations
Gender, social, cultural and economic issues need to be considered in the design of interventions.
Trusting or loving the partner is an important barrier for condom use.
Alcohol use was high among teenagers: 44 percent of men and 49.2 percent of women. Thus this information should be considered in the design of an intervention. It is well known that the use of alcohol can interfere in the adoption of safer sex behaviors.
In reference to the questionnaire, the adolescent target group was very happy to be part of the study as reflected in the following statements "I loved to participate and we need someone to talk with us about AIDS/STI/sex/drugs." "We need information on STIs." "This questionnaire called my attention for safer sex and condom use". "After answering the questionnaire I will do HIV antibody testing."
Process Indicator Summary
| Category |
Total |
| Participants |
154 |
| IEC materials distributed |
154 |
| Condoms distributed |
154 |
| People educated |
154 |
Training of CSWs on STI/AIDS Prevention in 5 Municipalities in the State of Ceará
| Implementing Agency: |
APROCE - Association of Prostitutes in Ceará |
| Year: |
1996 |
| Budget: |
5,000.00 USD - AIDSCAP |
| Geographic Area: |
Rio de Janeiro |
Background
Social organization of CSWs is a fundamental strategy for the implementation of effective HIV/AIDS/STI prevention programs among CSWs. This is the mission of APROCE, a community-based NGO in Fortaleza, Ceará, involved in HIV/AIDS prevention programs for CSWs since 1990. In 1996, with the support of AIDSCAP/USAID-Brazil, APROCE expanded its experience to CSWs living in 5 municipalities in the interior of Ceará.
Objectives
- To train CSWs on HIV/AIDS/STI prevention and how to act as peer educators in the 5 municipalities of Ceará.
- To develop the skills of CSWs towards self and social organization.
- To reach CSWs from 5 municipalities through trained peer educators.
- To increase the adoption of safer sex behaviors among CSWs from 5 municipalities.
Accomplishments
- Planned, organized and conducted 5 decentralized training courses for 128 CSWs of 6 municipalities in Ceará (Sobral, Canoa Quebrada, Russas, Itagé, Canidé and Mundaré).
- Distributed 128 kits of IEC materials and 2,160 condoms during training activities.
- Designed and applied pre- and post-test questionnaires to evaluate training activities.
- Included in training format participatory techniques with the use of small group discussions, role playing, and safer sex workshops including:
- Anatomy Of Male And Female Body: Myths And Realities.
- Use Of Drugs: How To Get Out Of It
- Panel On AIDS. How You Get It; How You Don't Get It.
- How To Live With An HIV-Positive Person.
- What are the Symptoms of AIDS?
- How To Prevent HIV/AIDS.
- Panel on STI. (One period lecture, small group discussions and testimonies).
- Epidemiology of AIDS.
- Testimonies, agree and disagree session.
- Discussions. How to self and socially organize CSWs.
Lessons Learned/Recommendations
Although HIV/AIDS prevention programs are being conducted in large urban areas of Brazil, the expansion to the interior areas through state capital cities, where prostitution is an important activity, is a need to be addressed.
Self and social organization of CSW is a long-term process beyond the scope of this project.
The development of volunteer work among CSWs in Brazil is a long process, thus beyond the scope of this project.
There is a need to maintain support to CSW prevention programs. Despite national, international and local efforts CSWs will remain a dynamic population (new elements always joining and leaving the profession) thus prevention activities must be reinforced to this target group.
Process Indicator Summary
| Category |
Total |
| CSWs trained |
128 |
| IEC kits distributed |
128 |
| Condoms distributed |
2,160 |
"Sociodrama on AIDS"
| Implementing Agency: |
ABCA - (Brazilian AIDS Combat Association) and the Rainbow group |
| Year: |
1996 |
| Budget: |
5,000.00 USD - AIDSCAP |
| Geographic Area: |
Brasilia |
Background
Based upon the experience of Sociodrama use for HIV/AIDS prevention in São Paulo, the ABCA and the Rainbow Group decided to use Sociodrama with female adolescents in Brasilia, Federal District.
The group received resources from the Rapid Response Fund Program to hold an AIDS Awareness Sociodrama Presentation. Psychologists conducted the Sociodrama with long-term experience in the use of drama as a therapeutic technique. This process permits active involvement of the audience in the discussion of HIV prevention, transmission, stigmas, taboos, gender matters and other issues raised during the performance.
Each Sociodrama is unique, and depends upon the specific dynamics of each group. Thus, well-trained professionals are important in this process. During the sessions of Sociodrama, condoms and other IEC materials were distributed to teachers, school staff and students.
Objectives
- To promote HIV/AIDS prevention through the use of Sociodrama techniques.
- To involve female adolescents in the discussion of HIV/AIDS prevention.
- To identify barriers, stigmas and taboos in the prevention of HIV/AIDS.
- To promote safer sex behaviors to female adolescents.
Accomplishments
- Trained two professionals to use Sociodrama in HIV/AIDS prevention, conducted 16 Sociodrama sessions in schools for 1,110 female adolescents. Five were in Brasilia, capital of Brazil, and two were peripheral areas surrounding Brasilia.
- Produced 11,000 folders and distributed 4,000 during activities. The additional amounts were distributed to adolescents beyond the life of the project.
- Distributed 3,000 condoms during Sociodrama activities.
- Conducted 6 additional sessions of Sociodrama to school directors, teachers and school staff. All professionals received IEC materials.
- Provided additional information through video sessions, small group discussions and counseling.
Lessons Learned/Recommendations
The Sociodrama raised an important demand to go beyond lectures and informational sessions.
The psychodrama activity provided students an important time for reflection about what they think, how they act, what they feel about AIDS, how they deal with their feelings and what their perceptions are.
Sociodrama is an effective strategy to use with adolescents. This model and technique should be expanded.
The Sociodrama has limited potential for implementation because it demands input from qualified and trained professionals.
Process Indicator Summary
| Category |
Total |
| Female adolescents that participated at Sociodrama |
1,100 |
| IEC materials produced |
11,000 |
| IEC materials distributed |
4,000 |
| Condoms distributed |
3,000 |
Qualitative Evaluation of the Integration of HIV Prevention into Reproductive Health Programs
| Implementing Agency: |
Sociedade Civil Bem-Estar Familiar no Brasil (BEMFAM) |
| Year: |
1996 |
| Budget: |
5,000 USD (AIDSCAP) |
| 4,630 USD (BEMFAM) |
| Geographic Area: |
Rio de Janeiro |
Background
In the early 1990's, BEMFAM was concerned with the HIV epidemic and STI epidemiology and launched a behavior HIV/STI research intervention with the goal of assuring the integration of HIV/STI prevention into reproductive health services. Close monitoring by BEMFAM central staff followed the implementation of this program. In face of the efforts made, BEMFAM, with the support of AIDSCAP/Brazil, designed a qualitative evaluation to verify the effectiveness of this program.
Objectives
- To evaluate the integration of HIV/AIDS prevention and reproductive health programs.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of the program using qualitative research as a means for investigation.
Accomplishments
- Designed and conducted a pilot project using qualitative approach methods at two BEMFAM clinics in Rio de Janeiro (Meier and Vila Kennedy). A total of 40 women were interviewed. Major findings: "I do not use condoms because I trust myself and my husband." Furthermore, qualitative data showed that heterosexual couples seldom talked about sex and condom use in their daily life.
- Conducted quantitative study to identify the reasons that motivate women to talk or impede from talking about HIV/AIDS prevention and STIs. A standard questionnaire was developed and a total of 210 women were interviewed with the following major findings: Dialogue between couples usually is about fidelity and infidelity. Couples believe that the dialogue should be a means to encourage reflection about their relationship, although this dialogue can generate anger in men, and women are afraid to be abandoned by initiating these conversations.
- Constructed additional focus groups with 74 women divided in 10 groups to evaluate the booklet called, "Wake up, ADELAIDE."
- Based upon this pilot experience, the evaluation of the project Women-AIDS- Prevention (WAP) was implemented in the states of Rio de Janeiro, Pernambuco, Bahia, Rio Grande do Norte and Maranhão. AIDSCAP/USAID, IPPF/USAID and the Ministry of Health - NACP, sponsored the evaluation of WAP.
- Conducted evaluations using group discussions, participatory observation. Interviews with women and health care providers were performed by trained BEMFAM team. Regional analysis of data was conducted and compared.
- Major findings: The evaluation of the project WAP showed that women were better informed then men about AIDS/HIV and their risk levels. They learned during the workshops how to use a condom and they felt more prepared to "talk condoms" with their partners. The educational materials helped women at the home and community levels to talk about AIDS and condoms, thus acting as educators in their communities.
- The difficulties of introducing condom use to a married couple was also identified. It was easier to reach young and/or single women through educational activities.
- Some groups reported the cost of condoms as an impediment to their use.
Lessons Learned/Recommendations
The use of condoms as a contraceptive method should be emphasized and proper condom use needs to be continuously promoted as a means of contraception and prevention of STI/AIDS. The advantage of condoms should be emphasized.
There is a need to investigate the influence of gender and STI/HIV/AIDS prevention approaches among HCP.
Process Indicator Summary
| Category |
Total |
| Participants |
324 |
| Women educated |
324 |
| Condoms distributed during workshops |
324 |
| IEC kits distributed |
324 |
Who Calls? A Hotline on HIV/AIDS Prevention for Women
| Implementing Agency: |
Centro Corsini |
| Year: |
1996 |
| Budget: |
5,000 USD (AIDSCAP) |
| 11,616 USD (counterpart contribution) |
| Geographic Area: |
Campinas and São Paulo |
Background
In the absence of a vaccine or a cure for HIV/AIDS, prevention is the only means to slow its spread. For this reason, Centro Corsini, a non-profit NGO/community-based organization decided to create a campaign to disseminate a hot line service, increasing the access to confidential and accurate information on AIDS, especially for women. The campaign had the collaboration of the local media (large and small) that dispersed the hot line number and services for free.
Objectives
- Provide confidential and accurate information on HIV/AIDS and STIs to help women to protect themselves, their family and their communities against HIV transmission.
- Increase by 100 percent the number of women who use the hot line services through the dissemination of services in Campinas region.
- Disseminate the hot line phone services to 2,000 women between 19 to 49 years old by radio, TV, magazines, posters and brochures.
- Refine the hot line service through an updated course to re-educate the hot-line team to knowledgeably answer all the questions and to assure confidentiality.
Accomplishments
- Produced and distributed a 30-second video which aired for free over 30 days at the Globo TV in Campinas, Bandeirantes TV, SBT TV, and cable TV Channel 25.
- Produced a musical spot, aired on the 5 major radio stations in Campinas.
- Announced for free the services in the local newspapers: "Correio do Povo," "Diário do Povo" and "Folha Sudeste." Furthermore, the Center for Outdoors provided 20 free strategically distributed spaces announcing the services.
- Produced and distributed a total of 1,400 posters which were fixed at women restrooms at bars, restaurants, beauty parlors, lingerie stores, cosmetics stores, police stations for women, hospitals (especially gynecology wards), health care and day care centers. Downtown posters were fixed at central post offices, churches and stores. A total of 364 buses (50 percent of the buses of Campinas) displayed the posters. Posters were also displayed at schools and universities.
- Promoted special events twice a week with a microphone, music and car to disseminate hot line services.
- Conducted special one-day activities for women on March 8, 1997 -- The Women International Day at Centro Corsini -- with small group discussions, role-plays and gifts promoting the hot line number.
- Updated and re-educated hot-line staff over 7 days with special emphasis on HIV/AIDS and women, as well as on the logistics of the campaign. The training used real, participatory situations to discuss the refinement of the services provided by the hot line.
- Answered a total of 2,911 calls (1,671 from men and 1,197 from women). In the previous year, before the campaign, the hot line answered 897 calls from women and in just one month of the campaign period answered to a total of 1,197 call from women. Thus the objective was surpassed.
- Collected demographic data from all phone callers (age, sex, education, marital status) and information about where they got the phone number. A sample of thirty calls performed by randomly selected women were analyzed with the following findings: 31.3 percent of the phone calls were made by adolescents between 15 and 19 years of age and 22.8 percent were young adult women (20-29 years of age); 36 percent had not completed first grade, 56.3 percent were single and 37.2 percent of the calls were performed from public telephones. Sixty-five percent of the target population acquired the phone number through TV ads. Fifty-four percent of the information requested by women were about the means of transmission.
- A total of 18,680.00 USD were documented as a verifiable counterpart contribution.
Lessons Learned/Recommendations
The Rapid Response Program with modest resources can be an important strategy to "warm up" prevention activities in a specific community improving the awareness and response to HIV/AIDS.
Future programs should seek projects with important counterpart contributions to increase the dimensions of the program.
NGOs can play an active role in the negotiation of free space to air HIV/AIDS prevention messages.
Process Indicator Summary
| Category |
Total |
| Men and women that called the hot line |
2,911 |
| Women that called the hot line |
1,197 |
| IEC materials distributed |
1,400 |
TV Campaign for HIV/AIDS Prevention among Women and Female Adolescents
| Implementing Agency: |
Casa de Passagem - Centro Brasileiro da Criança e do Adolescente |
| Year: |
1996 |
| Budget: |
5,000 USD (AIDSCAP) |
| 1,400 USD (counterpart contribution) |
| Geographic Area: |
Recife |
Background
Casa de Passagem is a NGO with the mission to promote social educational and civil rights of low-income young girls and adolescents in the cities of Olinda and Recife, Pernambuco, located in Northeast Brazil. The NGO is run by a multidisciplinary team of lawyers, doctors, nurses, anthropologists, sociologists, social workers and social educators.
In response to the need to raise awareness on HIV/AIDS prevention among adolescents and women from the poor strata of society, Casa de Passagem planned, organized and aired three different 30-second videos at TV Globo Northeast, TV Jornal and TV Manchete. All TV channels aired for free the campaign during November and December 1995 and January 1996.
Objectives
- To raise awareness on HIV/AIDS situation among women and adolescents in Pernambuco.
- To promote the use of condoms.
- To empower women and adolescents to negotiate safer sex.
Accomplishments
- Planned, produced and pre-tested three 30-second videos to be aired at the three main TV channels for free.
- Conducted five focus group discussions with 100 adolescents (20 per group) over two months to create the videos. All discussions were tape-recorded.
The main conclusions of the focus groups were: the need to reach women for the adoption of safer sex; the need to strengthen female adolescents in the negotiation of condoms with their partners and especially in their first sexual encounter; the need to respond to the partners arguments about using a condom; the myths and prejudice on AIDS not associated with the adoption of safer sex behaviors.
Three videos were produced based on focus group conclusions. The first video was for married women in a stable relationship (this video shows the reality of poor neighborhoods and addresses the double-moral standard). The second video raises the difficulties of negotiating safer sex., as boys will equate using a condom as a proof the girls do not love or trust them. The video addresses the issue through a dialogue between adolescents in which the girls take the boys' arguments. The third video shows that abstract fear of AIDS should not generate denial of its existence or the elimination of preventive practices. The campaign logo was: You also should use a condom.
Three TV channels aired the campaign during the three months (November, December and January) of summer for free in the State of Pernambuco. The counterpart contribution from TV channels was not reported.
The campaign aired by the media mobilized several sectors of society that requested from Casa de Passagem video presentations, lectures and discussions.
The campaign was presented in populous poor neighborhoods, schools and during meetings of community-based associations.
During three months the campaign directly reached 6,800 adolescents and women; 6,800 IEC materials were distributed and 2,770 TV spots were aired on TV.
Lessons Learned/Recommendations
It is fundamental to sensitize the private sector, which was accomplished in this case by using TV channels to air HIV/AIDS prevention campaigns for free. The price is astronomical to pay for the costs of an HIV/AIDS prevention campaign on TV in Brazil.
During focus group discussions adolescents mentioned that HIV/AIDS is often acquired through loving relationships, and thus creative and effective prevention measures should address this issue.
Adolescents should be taught to respond to negative arguments that put them at risk of HIV/AIDS or other STIs.
Condoms are not affordable for poor adolescents living in slums. Strategies to improve their access to condoms is an important need.
Process Indicator Summary
| Category |
Total |
| Adolescents and women reached directly |
6,800 |
| IEC materials distributed |
6,800 |
| Spots aired on TV |
2,770 |
| People reached through mass media* |
2 million |
*This data is based upon TV audience in the city of Recife during a 3-month period during summer time.
Community Mobilization on HIV/AIDS Prevention in Salvador, Bahia: "With Art - Without AIDS"
| Implementing Agency: |
CRIA - Reference Center for Adolescents |
| Year: |
1996 |
| Budget: |
5,000.00 USD (AIDSCAP) |
| 1,972.00 USD (counterpart contribution) |
| Geographic Area: |
Northeast |
Background
Salvador, the capital of Bahia, is a city with strong influences from African cultures. Located in the Northeast region of Brazil, Salvador was the first Brazilian Capital. The city is characterized by important socio-economic and educational differences. Epidemiological data shows that Salvador is one of the major urban areas in Brazil highly affected by HIV/AIDS. In 1996 CRIA, a NGO with the mission to develop educational and health activities to adolescents, considered the vulnerability of low income adolescents and developed an adolescent theater program for the prevention of HIV/AIDS through the Rapid Response program.
Objectives
- To raise awareness of HIV/AIDS prevention to low-income adolescents in Salvador, Bahia.
- To promote safer sexual behaviors and condom use among adolescents.
- To involve adolescents in the HIV/AIDS prevention through popular street theater.
- To present the play at public sites in Salvador including a presentation during World AIDS Day.
Accomplishments
- Conducted focus groups with adolescents to assess their perceptions of HIV prevention and condom use. Some of their comments: "AIDS is a disease that generates despair, fear and prejudice;" "There is no cure or hope for AIDS;" "I do not use condoms because I trust my partner;" "I do not use condoms because it blocks my blood flow;" "To use condoms is like eating candy through the wrapper;" "I do not use condoms because I lose erection;" "It is too difficult to the adolescents to be concerned with so many things;" "Body changes, virginity and so many other things make it difficult to think about AIDS;" "I date a 'family girl' so she is not at risk and neither am I."
- Based upon focus-group findings, major issues were grouped together and analyzed and a script for the HIV/AIDS play was created using music, dance and local culture.
- Presented the play to 500 people during AIDS World Day at the heart of Salvador in the Pelourinho Square.
- Distributed 1,500 condoms and four different leaflets totaling 520 issues.
- Conducted a discussion about HIV/AIDS/STIs and sexuality after the play.
- Evaluated the play with adolescents who were recorded by CRIA. "Participating as an actor in this play made me feel more involved as a citizen… integrating forces to a better world" (Tatiana Cardoso). "I feel the people present had the opportunity to learn more about AIDS" (Debora dos Santos). "I had the privilege to be part of this activity. I feel that I have learned many things in a fun and informal way" (Alexandro). "I loved to participate -- it was a must" (Cassia).
Lessons Learned/Recommendations
AIDS prevention communication strategies should seek examples using participatory methodologies. It seems that theater, music, role-playing, and creating sociodrama with adolescents is an important strategy to consider in future programs across all borders. "Clap your hands and you can guess the thoughts in other lands."
International Congress on STI in Rio de Janeiro
| Implementing Agency: |
Federal University of Rio de Janeiro |
| Year: |
1996 |
| Budget: |
5,000.00 USD (AIDSCAP) |
| 115,00.00 USD (counterpart contribution) |
| Geographic Area: |
Brazil |
Background
The control of sexually transmitted infections is key for the prevention and control of HIV/AIDS and should be a major concern of health care providers. The Federal University of Rio de Janeiro planned, organized and conducted a three-day international seminar on STIs in Rio de Janeiro in September 1996. AIDSCAP/Brazil cosponsored this meeting through the RRF program.
Objectives
- To conduct four satellite meetings on STI-related issues before the conference.
- To promote the Syndromic Management of STIs to professionals in Brazil as a joint effort with MOH and AIDSCAP.
- To discuss reproductive health issues including HIV/AIDS control and prevention.
Accomplishments
- Planned, organized and conducted four satellite meetings prior to the conference on sexual orientation, HIV/AIDS, and STI; the limits of laboratory education and STI; how to build a participatory work; and the use of bimolecular techniques on the diagnosis of STIs.
- Conducted an International Congress for 1,200 health care providers with plenary sessions, round tables, workshops and 145 abstract presentations.
- Performed a public examination of STIs for professionals to acquire the status of specialists.
- Distributed 25,000 copies of the Brazilian Journal of STI (issue No. 3 and No. 4). Issue number 4 has the publication of all AIDSCAP abstracts presented in Vancouver.
- Disseminated the conference through 23 articles published in the newspapers and called for abstracts book.
- The scientific program of the Conference had the participation of professionals from MOH/NACP, State Prevention and Control Program in Rio de Janeiro, universities, NGOs and professionals from CDC, IPPF, FHI and AIDSCAP/Brazil. Furthermore, professionals from Canada, Argentina and Spain participated at round tables and plenary sessions.
Lessons Learned/Recommendations
AIDS prevention and control programs should consider the systematic participation in academic forums to promote Syndromic Management, especially in countries where there is a relevant resistance to the adoption of the syndromic approach.
Taking into consideration the reputation of the CDC in the USA, USAID should consider supporting CDC to develop a guideline for Syndromic Management as part of the effort to control HIV/AIDS worldwide.
Process Indicator Summary
| Category |
Total |
| Participants |
1,200 |
| IEC materials distributed |
25,000 |
| Abstracts presented |
145 |
| Spots in the media |
23 |
