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Abstract
Special Health Center (SHC): an innovative approach & effective BCC strategy to target MSM in Pakistan
T.A. Zaver
Issues: Lahore is second largest city of Pakistan and 45th of the world with population of 8.5 millions and estimated number of MSM is 180,000, high risk group for HIV/AIDS.
Description: A World Bank funded project through Provincial AIDS Control Program, Government of the Punjab, was launched in April 2004 aimed to target MSM in Lahore. Main objectives of the project include behavior change and promotion of use of condom among MSM. Four Special Health Centers were established in the project area as a strategy to achieve the objectives. A Behavior Change Strategic Model was prepared. Specific activities in various stages transform unfelt need of MSM for “use of condom” into felt need and then felt need into expressed need/demand. Firstly Peer Educators meet MSM at their workplace and sensitize them using risk concept. Life threatening risks associated with HIV/AIDS enhance the perceived severity and perceived susceptibility of the MSM. Secondly MSM are educated at SHC and their perception of benefits of using condoms is enhanced through motivational relevance i.e. the consequences of using condoms to the MSM. At this stage, MSM’s perception of barriers hindering use of condoms too is lessened through dissonance reduction i.e. reduction in perception of a discrepancy between attitudes and behavior. Thirdly MSM are motivated to practice the continuous use of condoms through fulfillment of their deficiency and social needs. In the end, the production provides a condition reinforcer (satisfaction); thus the client, on perceiving reward of the performance, does not only act as guided but also advocates fellow MSM and their own clients to use condoms.
Lessons learned: The success of the project is evident by increasing number of registered MSM; enhanced utilization of condoms and application of negotiation skills by MSM with their clients.
Recommendations: Such innovative interventions may be expanded to other high risk groups and areas
AIDS 2006 - XVI International AIDS Conference
Abstract no.
CDD0194
Suggested Citation
" T.A. Zaver
Special Health Center (SHC): an innovative approach & effective BCC strategy to target MSM in Pakistan.
:
AIDS 2006 - XVI International AIDS Conference:
Abstract no.
CDD0194"
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