[AIDS prevention by a youth association in Ivory Coast: impact, successes and disappointments]

Over the last few years, the number of associations involved in AIDS prevention has dramatically increased in Ivory Coast, especially in Abidjan. This article describes an experiment in the prevention of AIDS and STDs among young people in Abidjan by means of peer education. It follows the management and progress of a youth organization for AIDS prevention, CESAM (Cellule Scolaire Anti-SIDA et MST), the School-based Anti-AIDS and STD Unit. Critical review of the activities of this association identifies a number of methodological, planning, human and material problems, which have received little attention in the past. CESAM is one of the first anti-AIDS associations in Ivory Coast to target young people and to have young members. This may be the reason for some of its successes and some of its failures and disappointments. The association's successes include the provision of information to more than 25,000 people between 1992 and 1996, and the overall satisfaction of the public and local AIDS institutions. The young people involved have taken on a new social identity, which has developed from the motivation of association members and the personal experiences of some with respect to AIDS, STDs and problems associated with contraception. However, this new identity is threatened by rivalry between members and the search for funding, as the substantial funding obtained in 1994-1995 can show it.