HIV/AIDS AND YOUTH IN TANZANIA: FROM AWARENESS TO BEHAVIORAL CHANGE
By: Jenaya Rockman, GSC Tanzania Assistant Program Coordinator

The Challenge

Twenty percent of the Tanzanian population is between the ages of 15-24 and each year about 60% of new infections occur in this demographic (National AIDS Control Program, 2002). In addition, 4% of women and 3% of men aged 15-24 are HIV positive (Tanzania HIV/AIDS Indicator Survey, 2003-4). These young men and women are the future of Tanzania, therefore, it is imperative that their health and well-being be preserved.

In general, youth in Tanzania exhibit low condom use, show low use of modern pregnancy prevention methods, and continue to engage in risky behaviors. However, surveys consistently find that awareness of these issues and of HIV prevention amongst youth is fairly high. It is clear that programs are needed that move youth from awareness and knowledge to actual behavior change. If this group is not reached, countries most impacted by HIV will continue to experience increased infection rates and health care expenditure, decreased life expectancy and economic development, and most importantly, decreased quality of life. So in an effort to be part of the solution to this growing problem GSC has chosen to focus one of its programs on youth education.

Global Service Corps Response

In response to the need for training in life skills such as communication, relationships, decision-making, and goal setting in order to help translate knowledge into behavior change, in 2002 GSC implemented HIV/AIDS Peer Education Day Camps in Arusha area secondary schools. Each year the program takes place over three weeks in June and approximately 240 students and teachers from three schools participate.

The objectives of HIV/AIDS Peer Education Day Camps are to:

• Provide students with clear and correct information on HIV transmission and prevention.
• Provide students with information concerning health issues such as STIs, opportunistic infections, pregnancy prevention, reproductive health, and nutrition.
• Provide students with life skills in the areas of decision making, communication, relationships, and goal setting.
• Encourage students to know their HIV status.
• Empower students to become peer educators within their own schools and to ultimately establish sustainable student-led peer education health clubs.
• Build confidence among in-school youth and to empower students to make positive life decisions.
• Provide training and support for Tanzanian teachers so they can promote healthy living and HIV/AIDS education within schools.
• Combat stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS in Tanzania through education, first hand talks with people living with HIV/AIDS, and open discussions among students.

After an extensive orientation in health issues and teaching methods, GSC volunteers, alongside their Tanzanian counterparts, play an integral role in planning and leading the daily activities of camp. The day camps use non-traditional educational methods such as role plays, games, debates, and discussions. This training is coupled with a unique cultural exchange provided by the volunteers. At the conclusion of camp, family, friends, and community members are invited to a graduation ceremony at which students showcase through song, drama, and art what they have learned. This serves as a tool to convey to the community the importance of their support in the fight against HIV/AIDS.

After the completion of camp, the students form health clubs in their schools. The purpose of these clubs is to provide a forum for students to educate fellow students in HIV prevention and life skills and provide a place for open discussion of health issues relating to youth.

GSC Results

During camp, pre and post surveys are given to students to measure knowledge and skills gained in areas of HIV/AIDS prevention, condom use, stigma, and willingness to discuss sensitive issues. The 2007 day camp survey data showed a notable increase in knowledge of prevention, transmission, and testing. Data from day camp coupled with observations of health club activities are an indicator to GSC that their programs are having an impact on young people.

To date, over 1,500 students have participated in camp and 17 health clubs have been established in Arusha area schools. Some health clubs meet on a regular basis to further student knowledge through debate, guest speakers, field trips, and conducting of HIV trainings.