Change For Children: HIV/AIDS Prevention and Stigma Reduction

Project Description

THIS PROJECT HAS BEEN FULLY FUNDED!  THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!

This project, first established in 2006, addresses the HIV/AIDS crisis on the Bay Islands of Honduras through: education, treatment and prevention, advocacy and local capacity building.

Educate: By employing and training local Health Promoters and People Living with AIDS (PLWA) as Peer Counsellors, the project will empower members of the Bay Island communities to educate the public about HIV/AIDS and STD prevention and treatment, as well as a to provide information to shift attitudes and reduce widely held stigma towards PLWA.

Prevent and Treat HIV/AIDS: By increasing access to HIV testing facilities, encouraging disclosure, and promoting and educating about safe sex practices and female controlled contraception the project seeks to decrease HIV infection on the Bay Islands and improve treatment PLWA receive.

Advocate: Public awareness campaigns, advocacy by leading public figures, close relationships with elected officials and government representatives, human rights advocacy, and a campaign designed to educate employers about their responsibilities to PLWA will seek to reduce stigma and ensure PLWA’s human rights are respected on the Bay Islands.

Build Capacity and Networks: As a result of this project Familias Saludables will increase their ability and effectiveness as a leading Honduran NGO addressing the HIV/AIDS crisis. They will also build and participate in networks within Honduras, within Central America and internationally, participating in best practice dialogues. The project will also provide members of the Bay Island communities with training, skills and gainful employment and will enhance the capacity of the community as a whole to respond to the HIV/AIDS crisis they are facing.