Description:

The project’s goal is to improve the capability of the uniformed services to cope with HIV/AIDS/STDs. The ultimate goal is to achieve safer sexual behavior among young people in uniform through Information, Education and Communication activities (IEC), access to Voluntary Counseling and Testing (VCT) rooms, equipping medical and educational units, as well as by establishing regional partnerships.

Dates of implementation:

November 2005 - October 2007

Objectives pursued:

• Improve the education system of those in the uniformed services in the area of life-skills education, including HIV/AIDS/STDs prevention
• Enhance the uniformed services’ ability to deliver quality VCT and IEC services, which respond to the actual health needs of young recruits
• Establish regional partnerships among uniformed trainers from different regions

Benefits expected:

• Communication for Behavioral Impact Strategy for military staff developed and implemented
• System of access to and distribution of condoms established
• Rates of HIV/AIDS/STDs among people in uniform decreased
• Seven VCT and education rooms equipped for delivering VCT and IEC activities
• Medical staff and personnel trained in youth-friendly approaches to medical practice; partnerships among uniformed trainers from different regions established

Public awareness:

The project will conduct an intensive public relations campaign to promote healthy lifestyles, including safer sexual behaviors. The communication campaign will address life-skills issues, including HIV/AIDS/STDs. Various publications such as leaflets, brochures, and posters will be developed and disseminated, and short TV spots will be produced and broadcast. Social theater (participatory drama) events will address different risky sexual behaviors and will suggest safer ones.

Budget:

The total project budget is USD 287,182.58, funded by Austrian Development Agency.

Partners:

Department of Boarder Guards, Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Health and Social Protection, Ministry of Internal Affairs, UNAIDS, UNFPA, UNICEF, WHO, GFATM (Global Fund), local NGOs.

Noteworthy:

The project will contribute to decreasing HIV/AIDS/STD rates among uniformed youth, thus meeting the goals and objectives of the National Programme on Prevention and Control of HIV/AIDS/STDs for 2006-2010, as well as those defined in the Millennium Development Goals.

Contact:

Viorica Rotaru, Project Manager
Address: 19, Petricani str., Chisinau, Central Border Guards Office
Tel.: (373 22) 25-96-99
E-mail: viorica.rotaru@undp.org