Regional AIDS prevention

The South Pacific Commission (SPC) will implement the project, which includes: (1) regional data collection activities; (2) community-level and regional educational activities; and (3) networking among donors and community organizations. First, SPC will fund knowledge, attitudes, practices, and beliefs (KAPB) studies to provide baseline data on the extent of STD/HIV infection and on sexual behavior in the region. These studies, which will be conducted by selected universities, research institutions, and individuals, will provide a basis for educational programming and for monitoring AIDS prevention activities. The core of the project will be the educational activities to be carried out at the community level by local PVO"s. Ten such educational programs will be funded by project grants. Condoms for the programs will be donated by the Australian International Development Assistance Bureau. To support this and other educational efforts, the project will fund the production/adaptation of educational materials on both regional and local levels. This will include preparation of radio programs, posters etc. by local firms and by the SPC Regional Media Center and the modification of such materials by local groups to ensure their cultural appropriateness at the community level. Finally, several networking efforts will be undertaken both among donors (including WHO, ODA, the EEC, Japan, France, and others) and by SPC with the community organizations. SPC"s Communications Specialist will work closely with the community organizations on the educational activities; SPC will also promote networking among the community organizations themselves. The project will support three types of training: (1) national and regional workshops and training courses on AIDS education; (2) observational travel for selected national and community leaders; and (3) training by the Regional Media Center for PVO and other personnel on how to implement community campaigns and prepare educational materials. Project resources will be augmented through buy-ins to centrally funded projects, especially the AIDS Communications Project (936597201).