Republic of Moldova

LESSONS ON HIV AIDS INFECTION PROPHYLAXIS FOR YOUTH FROM TIRASPOL

Chişinău, 26 April 2010 – At the end of April, the first group of young people from Tiraspol enjoyed an interactive lesson entitled “Heart connection tour” about prophylaxis of HIV and AIDS infection, held within the project “Dance4life”, Representative of SIDA Est-West Foundation (AFEW)  in Republic of Moldova reports.

During the lesson, the teenagers were informed about the ways of HIV infection transmission, the situation regarding cases of HIV/AIDS in the native town. Together with trainers, they assessed personal risks of catching the infection, discussed about the consequences of HIV/infected people’s discrimination, and became familiar with personal stories of young people affected by the concerned problem. Also there, the young people learned the dancing elements of drill – the symbol of dance4life project, so as to join other youngsters from Russia, Serbia, Netherlands, Turkey, the USA, Vietnam, Ireland, Spain, Germany and other countries (overall 25 countries). 

Dance4life is a dynamic, creative and modern example, inspiring the youth to become active in fighting the spreading of HIV and AIDS infection, and draw someone else’s attention to this issue.

The need for this project was generated by the increasing number of HIV-infected persons among youngsters in the districts from the left bank of the Dniester river. Officially, on April 1, 2010 the statistics declared 2130 cases of HIV infection.

The project dance4life provides every young person with the chance to become involved in HIV/AIDS prevention! And the dance, music, interactive information and video materials – are methods through which the HIV prophylaxis movement is turned into an interesting activity, produced in the language of youth!

Throughout this year, over 100 lessons will be held for young people from Tiraspol, Bender, Slobozia, Râbniţa and Dnestrovsc.

HIV prophylaxis activity unfolded in districts on the left side of the Dniester river is implemented in collaboration with local authorities, “HIV and infectious diseases prophylaxis and fighting center”, NGO “Healthy Future”, under assistants of “Support to Confidence Building Measures” program, financed by the European Union and implemented by the United Nations Development Programme.

For contact: Victor Munteanu, UNDP Moldova Project Manager, tel. 260786, e-mail: victor.munteanu@undp.org or Irina Lazur, Communication and Information Coordinator, tel. 232523, e-mail: irina.lazur@undp.org

***

The project “Support to Confidence Building Measures” aims to address the needs of Transnistrian communities including the security zone by increasing their access to basic social and economic services, as well as to objective and diversified sources of information. The establishment of cross-river partnerships will be supported, creating parallel opportunities for stakeholders from both sides to interact, thereby promoting economic cooperation and contributing towards confidence building among the actors and the population at large. The project is funded by the European Union and implemented by the United Nations Development Programme.