PSI/PASMO Celebrating Life at Closing of Regional Project

This news article describes the accomplishments of the Population Services International (PSI) and the Pan American Social Marketing Organization (PASMO) HIV/AIDS Prevention Program in Belize City, Belize, Central America. The five-year programme was implemented by PSI and PASMO with funds from the United States Agency International Development (USAID). The programme was launched in 2006 to address research findings showing that the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Central America continued to be concentrated in high-risk groups.

The PSI/PASMO regional programme allowed for a broad sharing of experiences on strategic approaches to intervention and economies of scale in developing methodologies, campaigns, and research. The Belize programme’s primary focus was to address the behaviours that put individuals at risk for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Specifically, it focused on sex workers and men who have sex with men (MSM), as well as other at-risk populations, such as potential clients of sex workers.

The programme, in partnership with the Ministry of Health, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and health personnel, worked to extend and improve voluntary counselling and testing (VCT) services. It reached out to faith-based organisations to establish a common language and objectives in the struggle to prevent the further spread of HIV/AIDS. Further, the programme initiated mass media campaigns which designed, produced, and aired public service announcements (PSAs).

Evaluation figures include the following changes in the populations of focus in the PSI/PASMO Belize programme:

• "More than 80% of sex workers reported using condom during their last sexual encounter.
• Almost 70% are reporting having taken HIV/AIDS test within any given 12 month period.
• Around 85% know where to access and get an HIV/AIDS test.

Looking at the results of the program, it indicates that men who have sex with men are more sexually responsible.

• 80% of MSM report condom use during sex with any type of partner.
• Around 90% who use condom also reported using it with water base lubricant.
• More than 75% of MSM report having taken a HIV/AIDS test in a 12 month period.
• More than 85% know where to access and get and HIV/AIDS test."