Final Report for the AIDSCAP
Program in the Dominican Republic
October 1993 to April 1997: Subproject Highlights

Rapid Response Funded Activities

This report comprehensively summarizes the FHI/AIDSCAP program in the Dominican Republic (1993-1997). The report discusses program accomplishments and constraints, as well as providing behavioral outcome data, lessons learned and recommendations.

II. Subproject Highlights

Rapid Response Funded Activities

During 1994-1995 AIDSCAP/DR provided support to several organizations working in AIDS prevention through the Rapid Response Fund mechanism. This mechanism allowed the country office to provide seed money to local NGOs for small HIV/AIDS prevention activities. Each activity involved interinstitutional and intersectorial coordination and collaboration, including the private and public sectors, the NACP, religious groups, radio stations, the police force and other donor agencies (PAHO/UNFPA).

a) Holy Week National AIDS Awareness Campaign

In March, 1994 AIDSCAP/DR provided support to the Patronato de Lucha contra el SIDA (PLUS) to coordinate the 1994 Holy Week National AIDS Awareness Campaign. The objective of this activity was to reduce the risk of STI/HIV/AIDS infection in the general population during the Easter holiday. Easter week is an ideal opportunity to spread HIV/AIDS prevention messages because of the large number of individuals who leave the cities for vacation spots around the country. The campaign was carried out in 16 provinces nationwide, including target sites such as tollbooths, bus station ticket offices, bus stops and vacation spots (parks, beaches, rivers and mountain resorts). A total of 241 volunteers from ten collaborating agencies participated in outreach activities, reaching approximately 66,000 people with materials and condoms. Materials distributed included 250,975 flyers and 250 T-shirts with the slogan "AIDS is preventable, you decide! For a world without AIDS". A total of 137,435 condoms were distributed. This activity also received the support of media. Several newspapers published information and three radio messages were aired through 22 radio stations throughout the country. Several communities also cooperated, providing transportation, facilities and medical kits. The National Police gave permission to work in public places and were supportive of the interventions. Finally, the cooperating/participating agencies integrated fully and carried out the activity in a timely and effective fashion.

b) Training of Trainers for Peace Corps Volunteers

During July-October, 1994 the Fundación de Estudios Educativos (FUNDEE) provided STI/HIV/AIDS training to Peace Corps Volunteers during their training stage and volunteer stage workshops. The purpose of these trainings was to prepare Volunteers to coordinate HIV/AIDS prevention activities in their communities. Peace Corps Volunteers were identified as effective behavioral change agents because they work at the grassroots level, are accepted by their communities and have access to the most rural areas. A total of three training of trainers workshops were conducted, training 97 volunteers. A total of 28,640 educational materials were delivered to these volunteers to distribute during their educational activities. A list of organizations working in HIV/AIDS prevention in their communities was also provided so they could refer any HIV/AIDS cases they detected in their communities.

c) Adolescent Outreach in National Basketball Championships

AIDSCAP/DR supported the Coordinadora de Animacion Socio Cultural (CASCO) in conducting outreach among adolescents during the National Basketball Championships held in July and August 1994. CASCO reached approximately 185,000 adolescents during 30 basketball games through face to face interpersonal communication. Materials distributed included 185,000 fliers, 200 caps and 2,400 stickers. A banner was also placed within the stadium facilities. HIV/AIDS prevention messages were transmitted over the radio, television and loudspeakers during the basketball games.

d) Second National Congress on STIs

In November 1994 the Union Dominicana contra Enfermedades de Transmisión Sexual (UDOCETS) was supported by AIDSCAP/DR in conducting the Second National Congress on STIs. The purpose of this activity was to update health personnel in STI diagnosis and treatment; promote the exchange of information and experiences between national and international experts and identify research opportunities in STI/AIDS. The central theme of the congress was "The Impact of AIDS on the Family". The topics were framed within the following areas: basic and clinical sciences, epidemiology and prevention, social sciences and education. A total of 425 people attended the Congress. Forty-three (43) round table presentations and six key note presentations were made. The media widely promoted the event, and a total of 14 newspaper articles were published.

e) World AIDS Day Activities

AIDSCAP/DR supported the Patronato de Lucha Contra el SIDA (PLUS) in conducting a series of activities in December of 1994 for World AIDS Day. These activities included a forum on AIDS and the family, a mass and a "Walk for Life" through the colonial city. A total of 10,662 people were reached during these activities with educational materials including 450,000 bulletins, 12,500 leaflets, 4,313 brochures, 300 posters and 30 banners. All of these events were covered in newspapers with national and international coverage. Promotion messages for the mass, walk and interviews were aired through seven radio stations and 16 television programs.

f) Material Distribution during Carnival

In the Dominican Republic carnival is celebrated each year during February in celebration of the independence of the country. Thousands of young people from all over the country attend celebrations and parades. In February 1995 the Coordinadora de Animación Socio-cultural (CASCO) took advantage of this opportunity to reach this population with AIDS prevention educational materials. Health Messengers, dressed up in costumes, distributed 50,000 AIDS prevention flyers especially designed for the carnival. CASCO obtained support from the mass media in promoting their participation in these activities. Representatives from CASCO participated in six radio and two television programs. Several newspaper publishing also highlighted CASCO's AIDS prevention efforts and their participation in these activities.

g) Promotion of AIDS Prevention Activities in Northern Region of the Country

AIDSCAP/DR supported the Patronato de Solidaridad (PASO) in generating AIDS prevention efforts and activities in the 14 provinces of the northern region of the country. Community leaders were identified and motivated by PASO to organize activities in their communities. Of particular significance has been the community involvement and mobilization evidenced in the formation of these groups. With technical assistance and minimal seed funding provided by AIDSCAP/DR, PASO was able to bring together individuals and 302 community leaders in STI/HIV/AIDS prevention to accomplish what before seemed impossible. They began with a first ever two-day conference on STIs/HIV/AIDS that has grown into a regional movement that relies on itself to identify needs and resources. This conference was coordinated and organized with the support of COVICOSIDA, the National AIDS Prevention Program (PROCETS) and the Dominican Medical Association.

The community leaders were motivated to define an action plan for AIDS prevention in their provinces and to commit themselves to the execution of the plan. This Northern Regional group has even begun to motivate the new government through high level meetings and publications. It is becoming the most organized advocacy movement in favor of HIV/AIDS programming. These groups are also actively involved in AIDS prevention in the region. AIDSCAP/DR provided training in STI/HIV/AIDS, Strategic Planning, Counseling and STI Syndromic Management to a total of 430 individuals. Educational materials were also provided for their outreach activities.