AEGiS-14IAC: Combining different approaches for HIV prevention in a low-prevalence setting: the case of Morocco.

14th International AIDS Conference

Barcelona, Spain - July 7-12, 2002

Combining different approaches for HIV prevention in a low-prevalence setting: the case of Morocco.

Int Conf AIDS 2002 Jul 7-12; 14:(abstract no. F11795)

Choqairi A, Lamzaini R, Kdada S, Bisbis S, Greenall M
AMSED, Rabat, Morocco

ISSUES: There are many different approaches for working on HIV/AIDS: no approach works with every section of a population in every context. However, community interventions must engage a range of community members, whilst paying attention to the needs of those most vulnerable.

DESCRIPTION: AMSED has supported community HIV work in Morocco since 1996, placing an emphasis on changing attitudes and building the skills needed to prevent STIs/HIV. In the first 4 years of the programme, AMSED built the capacity of NGO/CBOs to use community discussion groups, asdressing issues such as gender, sexuality, sexual health and HIV/AIDS. Whilst some NGO/CBOs find this approach successful for mobilising and working with key groups, others do not. In particular, many find it hard to get men involved in such a process. Others are not able to reach out beyond the general population, and consequently they are not able to address different vulnerability factors within the population. AMSED has since helped partners adopt additional approaches which enable them to broaden the scope of their work. Most partners now use a mixture of group discussions, peer education, and IEC, and many provide access to condoms. Some have also developed referral links with health services to ensure treatment of STIs. This combined approach has helped increase the coverage and scope of programmes. It has also led to increased learning which helps organisations improve their understanding of their communities, and improve the work they do.

ISSUES: In order to carry out effective community HIV prevention, organisations need a range of complementary skills and tools. In this way, they can better understand their communities, and can more effectively mobilise different population groups and institutions according to what is appropriate in their context. RECOMMENDATION: There is a need for ongoing capacity-building so that NGOs and CBOs have the tools they need to respond effectively to HIV/AIDS.

Keywords: AEGIS, Prevalence, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, HIV Infections, Sex Behavior, Risk Factors, Health Services Needs and Demand, Organizations, Morocco, Human, Male, prevention & control, epidemiology

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