HIV/AIDS

The Child, Maternal and Reproductive Health Awareness Initiative, co-funded by Cairn and the IFC, enables the Centre for Development and Population (CEDPA), an international NGO, to improve the reproductive health of adults, adolescents and transient workers and truckers in 32 villages throughout Barmer state in India.

The programme deploys several strategies to reach adults and youths. Health volunteers throughout the 32 communities reached out to more than 7,500 adults with information on reproductive health, including maternal and child health, and provided referrals to clinics, while an additional 17,500 people were reached through health fairs.

To reach transient workers and truckers, who have contributed to the spread of HIV/AIDS in the region through high-risk sexual behaviour, the CEDPA trained counsellors who advised more than 7,400 individuals at truck stops, where condoms were also distributed. The project resulted in a notable increase in condom usage and a decrease in incidences of sexually transmitted infections.

To reach adolescents, the CEDPA worked with 13 schools to incorporate life skills and reproductive health information into the educational curriculum. Out-of-school children were reached by youth facilitators who trained 900 additional adolescents. The CEDPA also trained auxiliary nurse midwives on best practices to ensure safe deliveries, and worked with local leaders so they understood what health care services are mandatory under Indian law.