With the support of Gilead Sciences Inc., Spouses of Caribbean Leaders Action Network (SCLAN) partnered with the Ministry of Health, Belize and the Anira Foundation in Guyana to implement the project, “Transforming Lives Through Innovation: Implementation of high-impact prevention programmes for adolescents, young women and men.”

The goal of SCLAN’s project in Belize is to expand access to HIV prevention and treatment to 600 females and 400 males, particularly the high-risk population ages 15-24 years in Dangriga Town, Stann Creek District.

Stann Creek district has the second highest rate of infection and the highest HIV-related mortality. With this information, it was important to begin the project with consultations with various stakeholders working in HIV and sexual and reproductive health.

The sessions were productive and positive feedback was received on effective ways to engage youth and collect essential baseline data to inform an effective peer education programme. Baseline data is a powerful tool to create meaningful policies, strategies and projects.

A community mapping was also completed to determine the target population, which will be exposed to a sexual behaviour survey that will measure knowledge and attitude on sexual practices, gender-based violence as well as other sexual and reproductive issues.

The next steps will involve the creation of peer education target groups, along with a peer education curriculum and public awareness campaign.
For more information on this initiative, contact Judy Waight, Programme Officer, SCLAN at jwaight@sclan.org