The Challenge

There are currently 13 reported cases of HIV in the Solomon Islands. However this is likely to be a gross underestimate. Fear, stigma, misinformation about HIV and the scarcity of testing services mean those who contract the virus are unlikely to be tested. Factors affecting young people’s vulnerability and risk of contracting HIV or other sexually transmitted infections (STI) include: limited opportunities to improve living standards through education and employment; sexual violence; child abuse; socio-economic change; and cultural and religious beliefs which can create taboos about discussing sex and safe practises such as condom use.

The Project

The HIV & STI Prevention Project is made up of two components - HIV & STI Prevention and Peer-to-Peer Education for Children.

The HIV & STI Prevention component helps build the capacity of government clinics to provide better quality and youth-friendly HIV related services. It also works with vulnerable and at risk young people to build personal skills and contribute to changes in sexual behaviour.  

Key activities and achievements for this project include:

• Honiara and provincial based health workers trained to deliver effective STI treatment, and streamline HIV and STI management and reporting processes
• Youth-friendly Voluntary Confidential Counselling and Testing (VCCT) services available at two Honiara-based clinics and accessible to vulnerable young people
• Health workers trained to be responsive to the needs of vulnerable young people and provide youth-friendly service
• Vulnerable young people trained as project volunteers to conduct peer-to-peer education, condom distribution and community outreach and awareness raising activities
• Vulnerable young people, including those that exchange sex for money or other goods, have gained a greater understanding of HIV and STIs and their capacity to access related medical services such as STI testing and VCCT
• Developed a referral card system, in consultation with clinics, to ensure appropriate service for vulnerable young people
• Developed partnerships with hotels and other businesses to increase staff knowledge, reduce stigma and discrimination, distribute condoms and offer relevant HIV and STI information

The Peer-to-Peer Education for Children

The Peer-to-Peer Education for Children component aims to reduce children’s vulnerability to HIV through the establishment of a Children’s Sexual and Reproductive Health Resource Centre and the development of Red Ribbon Child Clubs. These clubs are located in vulnerable communities and target children who do not attend school.

Key activities and achievements for this project include:

• Constructed a children’s sexual and reproductive health resource centre
• Developed resource materials for the centre
• Trained staff to manage resource the centre effectively
• Facilitated activities and referrals for children  
• Formed Red Ribbon Clubs for children
• Selected children as Peer Educators and provided training on peer education skills
• Assisted Red Ribbon Clubs to organise HIV and STI awareness activities in their communities
• Assisted children to review existing curriculum in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Human Resource Development (MHERD)

Challenge Outcomes for Children and Communities

The two components of the HIV & STI Prevention Project use a targeted approach to address the sexual health needs of vulnerable groups, children and communities. They benefit in the following areas:

• Access to child-friendly sexual and reproductive health resources, information and education
• Improved safe sexual practices and consistent use of condoms within communities
•  A reduction in stigma and discrimination
• A reduction in the incidences of STIs and teenage pregnancy
• Improved health treatment, care and counselling services
• Improved HIV and STI data reporting, contributing to improved provision of services
• Access to trained health staff that are non-judgemental, supportive and adequately skilled

What Next?

Further strengthening of HIV and STI services is required in all health clinics across the Solomon Islands. The replication and expansion of the Solomon Islands HIV and STI Prevention Program has the potential to ensure all young people have access to quality health services, support and accurate information. To prevent the spread of HIV and STIs, the rights of those living with, and vulnerable to, HIV need to be recognised. Additionally, further efforts are needed to reduce violence against women and support women’s empowerment. The inclusion of relevant sexual and reproductive health and gender modules within national primary and secondary curriculums is also required.