AFEW Projects  

4^th Mass Media Campaign on Safer Sex

PROJECT DURATION: January 2004 through December 2004
DONOR(S): European Union - Tacis Institution Building Partnership Programme (IBPP) (http://europa.eu.int/comm/europeaid/projects/tacis/ibpp_en.htm)
PARTNER(S): NGO Focus
REGION: Mongolia

BACKGROUND:
Although the official number of HIV/AIDS cases in Mongolia remains extremely low (e.g., 4 registered cases as of 1 January 2003, according to the Ministry of Health of Mongolia), the current HIV/AIDS epidemics in the Russian Federation and China are major concerns for Mongolian officials. The number of reported sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in Mongolia is quickly increasing and may be indicative of unprotected sexual practices. For example during the last decade, gonorrhoea among pregnant women has increased from a rate of 1.7 cases per 100 000 population to a rate of 103 cases per 100 000 population (Ministry of Health of Mongolia).

The project supports the implementation of the National HIV/AIDS/STI Programme of the Mongolian Ministry of Health by targeting Mongolian youth aged 15 to 25 years through the 'Safer Sex Mass Media Campaigns' and the distribution of information materials on sexual health issues on a large scale, and aims to prevent HIV/AIDS/STIs by improving knowledge, attitudes and behaviour.

The project is a continuation of the 'Safer Sex Mass Media Campaign' model that was developed by MSF-Holland in Mongolia between 1999 and 2001, and offers follow up support to Mongolian counterparts.

This is the second campaign, developed, implemented and evaluated in close collaboration with the Mongolian counterpart Focus and supported by the Ministry of Health at the end of the two-year project cycle. Focus will have all of the knowledge and skills necessary for continuing the campaign in Mongolia and will be recognised by governmental and non-governmental structures as an expert organisation.