Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2008. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies - June 30, 2008
Marie Louise Belanger
Red Cross societies in Central America are promoting HIV awareness and anti-stigma messages to the general public by involving taxi drivers in passing on HIV and AIDS related information.
The innovative project has been piloted in Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras, and has already reached more than 80,000 people in only five months.
More than 150 taxi drivers in the three countries have received Red Cross training in HIV and AIDS awareness, public health and anti-discrimination, and are now acting as volunteers themselves, passing on what they have learned to their customers in casual conversation.
Understanding
As a result, the passengers and customers not only have a better understanding on the issue, but also are better informed to make responsible decisions with respect to HIV prevention. They also take away a strong anti-stigma message, promoting respect for people with HIV.
Jos Victorino Pineda, a member of the taxi cooperative in El Salvador ACONTAXIS, is one of the drivers who received Red Cross training.
"Taxi driving involves contact with all kinds of people, which gives us the opportunity to disseminate information on HIV and AIDS. I think that the members of the cooperative are now very keen to pass this learning onto others," he said.
Infections
According to UNAIDS, there are currently around 1.6 million people living with HIV in Latin America, with unprotected sex being the main cause of transmission. It is feared that if steps are not taken to limit new infections, the adult prevalence rate only in Central America could reach two per cent by 2010.
Many of those with HIV are from vulnerable or marginalized groups, and are at particular risk of discrimination within their communities.
The taxi driver project is a community-based one, and seeks to change attitudes and banish prejudices in order to improve the lives of those with HIV and AIDS.
Prevention
A group of specially-trained Red Cross volunteers have been teaching the drivers about HIV prevention and transmission, anti-discrimination, first aid and interactive communication techniques to provide the drivers with the skills they need to introduce the subject to their passengers.
The participating taxis were easily identified as being part of the Red Cross project. The drivers wore eye-catching t-shirts, and a sticker was displayed inside the vehicle. A promotional tape and information leaflets were also provided.
The drivers were also given a first aid handbook, videos and material for consulting the legal framework and policies on HIV and AIDS.
Motivated
The project was very well received by the drivers as well as by the public. During the training sessions, the participants were encouraged to express their own worries and doubts on this topic, which were addressed by the Red Cross volunteers.
The project was the brainchild of the local Red Cross societies, supported by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. It was carried out in partnership with local human rights offices, the taxi cooperatives, health ministries and associations of people with HIV.
The drivers involved in the project have not only shared their knowledge with their passengers, but with their family and friends.
Guiding
"We have a role to play in guiding those who don't know very much about the HIV pandemic," said ACONTAXIS driver Osmin Garcia.
"I have children, and have never discussed this issue with them because I didn't know enough about it, but now the training I have received from the Red Cross will help me to guide them and explain HIV to them.
"First, I will talk with my family about HIV and AIDS and then I will do it with my passengers," he added.
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