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In 1999,
the United States Agency for International Development (USAID)
established the Guyana HIV/AIDS/STI Youth Project to fight the spread of
HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted infections among at-risk
Guyanese youth. USAID hired Family Health International (FHI) to
provide technical and programmatic assistance -- with a special focus on
behavior change communication (BCC) interventions -- to the nine
non-governmental organizations (NGOs) that make up the Project.
USAID is
providing this support and the objectives of this project follow those
outlined in the Government of Guyana National HIV/AIDS Strategic Plan
for 2002-2006. Specifically, the project addresses areas included in
both risk reduction and care and support components of the plan.
Under the
leadership of a Project steering committee, Project NGOs united under a
common theme “Ready Body -- Is It Really Ready” to promote
prevention-oriented behavior change messages and healthy lifestyles
among youth in organized groups; “limers” (people who “hang out”) and
mini-bus drivers and conductors. The Project uses mass media channels,
theater, music, dance and community events to promote prevention
messages. And through a common approach to peer education, NGO
volunteers provide interpersonal outreach, information and support to
young people in 6 regions of Guyana.
The main
objectives of the Project have included:
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Stimulating dialogue
among youth on risk and risk behaviors
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Increasing knowledge of
HIV/AIDS and STIs
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Increasing responsible
sexual behavior – including abstinence, being faithful, condom use,
and refraining from drug and alcohol abuse (the “ABCDs” of prevention)
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Increasing the capacity
of NGOs
Project
partners have included other NGOs, local community organizations,
including faith-based organizations, government organizations, including
the National AIDS Programme Secretariat, the National AIDS Committee and
the Ministry of Health; the Peace Corps; the Japanese government and
UNAIDS.
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