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HIV and AIDS prevention project

The potential impact of an HIV epidemic could be devastating for the Solomon Islands. Fear, misinformation about HIV, and the scarcity of HIV testing services mean that few Solomon Islanders have ever been tested for the virus.

Research conducted by Save the Children Australia showed that risk of developing HIV infection is high, with females aged 13 – 25 being the majority of those involved in transactional sex. The research also highlighted the fact that awareness about safe sex was quite low. 

In the past year we've trained 18 health staff in two clinics to provide quality STI and HIV services for sex workers, men having sex with men and youth at risks. 

The main content of the training was about youth sensitive approaches to work with young people, youth counseling, maintaining confidentiality, providing non-judgmental information.  After the training, health post nurses have been friendlier with youth.

Over 100 young people from sex workers, men having sex with men and youth at risk have been trained on STI and HIV prevention.  They have been passing information to other youth through outreach activities and peer to peer education. Condom use has been increased. Sex workers have been more cautious regarding safe sex. There is an increase in visiting clinics for STI among youth.

Also staff of 10 business houses such as hotel and taxi companies etc has been trained in STI and HIV and through them the message has been reached to their other employees.