Vanuatu has 5 cases of HIV/AIDS officially documented, however the high rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) reported at health clinics across the country suggests the need to create awareness on the prevention, testing and treatment of HIV/AIDS. A survey conducted in 2004/5 reflected certain behavioural and sexual indicators which places the population at risk of HIV/AIDS. The key findings reflected that only 2% reported constant condom use while three quarters of young people aged 15-24 had sex in their life time with the majority of cases being with a casual partner.

The IZA Project through Irene Malachai, the first person to be declared HIV positive in Vanuatu and the only person who has openly spoken and advocated for people living with HIV/AIDS in Vanuatu conducts awareness workshops targeting community people, health workers, NGO partners and civil society leaders within all the six provinces of Vanuatu. The aim of these workshops are to address stigma and discrimination, care & support for people living with HIV/AIDS and promotion of VCCT services for people to test and know their HIV sero status.

Advocacy work is carried out not only through community level workshops but also through national radio campaigns. The national radio campaigns include talk back shows on Radio Vanuatu whereby questions from the public can be answered on sensitive issues pertaining to HIV/AIDS and STIs. There is also the distribution of IEC (leaflets, booklets and TV documentary) materials on HIV/AIDs.

Another outcome of the project is supporting the IZA Foundation so that it is able operate as the only local organization working to address the issue of HIV/AIDS in Vanuatu. The Foundation was established by the only adult HIV positive person in the country with the purpose of assisting people with HIV/AIDS and creating awareness to reduce the stigma of HIV/AIDS within the community. The project also seeks to build the capacity of staff within the Foundation in order to allow for the sustainability and future handover of the project to the Foundation.

Project Location: In all the six provinces of Vanuatu

Read about other Save the Children programs in Vanuatu...