The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #65792

Dorothy E. Nairne, PhD¹, Gift Malunga¹, Clarence Hall, DrPH², and William O Fleming, MSPH². (1) HIV/AIDS Unit, Regional Support Unit, Africare, PO Box 2796, Parklands 2121, Johannesburg, South Africa, (2) HIV/AIDS Unit, Africare, Inc., Africare House, 440 R St. NW, Washington, DC 20001, 200-462-3614, chall@africare.org

Africare Zimbabwe is implementing an Adolescent Reproductive Health project in Mashonaland Central province aimed at improving the reproductive health of 10-24 year olds and strengthening existing AIDS Action Clubs (AAC) in primary and secondary schools. The AACs are voluntary clubs established in 24 rural primary and secondary schools to contribute to the reduction of HIV transmission among adolescents. These clubs address HIV/AIDS and reproductive health through information, education and communication (IEC), life skills development, and economic support through income generating activities (IGA). Thirty-four teachers serve as club patrons and, along with students, received training on HIV/AIDS prevention, counseling, communication, and business development and management. An average of one thousand two hundred club members have been trained as peer educators to disseminate information to peers, family, and community members. Strategies used include drama, poetry, music, and games. Clubs participate in school competitions and community fairs to publicize their efforts and reach large audiences. IGAs have also been successful, including oil pressing, peanut butter milling, poultry, gardening and tuckshops. The proceeds from IGAs are channeled towards HIV/AIDS activities and support the education of orphans within the targeted schools. The initiative is benefiting approximately 10 000 students in the 24 schools. The initiative has demonstrated that a meaningful involvement of young people in addressing their health needs has far reaching effects. Africare's AIDS Action Clubs are proving to be powerful tools for empowering youth with HIV/AIDS and reproductive health information and skills.

Learning Objectives:

• • Identify the HIV and reproductive health educational needs of adolescents in Zimbabwe.
  • Describe techniques to improve adolescent HIV prevention and reproductive health through AIDS action clubs.
  • Identify micro-enterprise interventions that enhance and sustain HIV/AIDS and adolescent health interventions.
  • Define the roles and needs of teachers in developing and supporting AIDS Action clubs in schools.

Keywords: Adolescents, International, HIV Interventions

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.

Handout (.ppt format, 60.5 kb)