Philippines: pilot project on HIV and AIDS education and prevention

The project set up by Christian Children's Fund-Philippines and STOP Trafficking of Filipinos aims to identify cultural practices of young people which may have bearings on their sexual practices and information on how they think and feel about HIV and AIDS. The baseline study found that a number of young adults shared common misconceptions about boy-girl relationships and sex; therefore, there is a need to clarify these concepts and develop self-awareness in order to promote sound and healthy attitudes toward interpersonal relationships and sexual behaviors. The study also found the need for young people to undergo training as a strategy for information dissemination and acquisition of right information and/or expand knowledge to deal effectively with current realities including HIV/AIDS and human sexuality. This baseline information is used to design intervention and communication packages composed of training modules, posters, and other materials that can be used for an educational program for youth. This project was supported by the National AIDS Prevention and Control Program of the Department of Health in the Philippines.