February 1 – The HIV/AIDS interventions associated with transportation development projects in East Asia have received large amounts of success in terms of persons reached (up three percent from last year), materials distributed (increased ten-fold), and, importantly, reduced incidence of HIV and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs; fewer than eight percent of individuals tested had HIV). The experience of Jiangxi Province in particular has shown marked success in implementing HIV awareness programs, in large part because of the professionalism, innovation and ownership of the Jiangxi Provincial Communications Department (JPCD, implementing agency). Their involvement in the implementation of HIV education activities and their willingness to coordinate with the Jiangxi Province Center for Disease Control (JPCDC, the health authority) has resulted in measurable progress towards increasing knowledge and understanding of HIV transmission. Interventions in Jiangxi have been ongoing since the first Jiangxi Highway Project in 1989, and continue now into the third Jiangxi Highway Project, currently under supervision. Program Development
Though basic interventions have been ongoing (lectures, distribution of brochures), there is opportunity for improvement to increase program effectiveness. New Innovations, such as use of alternative forms of media, interactive discussion forums, utilization of worksite educators, and inclusion of different target groups, support program success and longevity. Additionally, by training and empowering local communities and individuals, the message is made more powerful and its reach further extended. Though currently, the World Bank team encounters resistance while trying to implement HIV education programs in parts of the region (for example, when agencies respond, “our job is to build roads not provide condoms”), the unyielding support and leadership demonstrated in Jiangxi Province has inspired new strategies and programming for implementing these campaigns that have resulted in meaningful and long-lasting programs. New Solutions
Several variety shows and entertainment programs, conceived in partnership between the JPCD, JPCDC, and the People’s Broadcasting Station of Jiangxi Province (PBSJ), have been utilized to spread messages on safe sex and the transmission of STDs. On 29 and 30 December 2008, two variety shows were presented for construction workers and project-affected residents. The performers, all well-known news anchors of the PBSJ, sang, danced, and hosted a knowledge quiz for prizes on facts about HIV and STDs. Approximately 500 persons attended these entertainment programs, including construction management staff, local residents, government leaders, representatives from the project management office and JPCDC, and nearby factory workers. Many women and children also attended the events, and were eager to participate answering questions about HIV/AIDS in order to win prizes. During the show, educational materials were disseminated to participants, and particularly to factory employees working alongside the highway; though factory workers were not part of the original target group, including them in the education program was relevant as they are in regular contact with both the local residents and construction workers. The shows were recorded by PBSJ and broadcast through Jiangxi Province’s major radio station so that this important information on HIV/AIDS was further transmitted to radio listeners throughout the Province. In response to these events, the construction contractor responsible for management of laborers said that his workers were touched by the work of the JPCD, the JPCDC, and PBSJ in caring about their health and helping its workers to protect themselves from HIV/AIDS. In addition, a pavement contractor from Zhejiang Province, who also attended the program, indicated that he would increase efforts implementing HIV/AIDS education activities for laborers, and work to support their local CDC in order to strengthen their efforts in HIV/AIDS prevention. Similar programs are expected to continue as part of Phase 2 of the HIV/AIDS intervention associated with the Third Jiangxi Highway Project. |
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