Ayihlome Ihlasele Project-an HIV Behaviour Change Communication Project

The HIV and AIDS epidemic has plagued humanity for more than 20 years and infection rates continue to grow. The Swaziland government, complemented by the civil society, has adopted   various forms of intervention strategies aimed at combating the spread of the pandemic as well as dealing with its consequences.  In 2006, The Family Life Association of Swaziland (FLAS) also launched a behaviour change communication project, Ayihlome Ihlasele (AI), which can loosely be translated to, “Take up arms and attack”.

The project’s overall goal is to reduce HIV prevalence by promoting positive behaviour change amongst individuals, with a strong focus on the ABC approach to HIV prevention.  AI   adopts a behaviour change communication approach which is a framework of linked approaches that function as an integrated, ongoing process. It is a multi-level tool working at individual, family and community levels for promoting and sustaining risk-reducing behaviours by distributing tailored HIV prevention messages.

The (AI) project operates in all four geographic regions of Swaziland, focusing on two sites (communities) per region. It primarily focuses on identifying and training Community Peer Facilitators (CPFs) to disseminate prevention messages.

Project sites
Hhohho; Siphocosini & Mangwaneni
Manzini; Fairview & Ngwane Park
Lubombo; Gamula &  Mambane
Shiselweni; Mbangweni & Ka-Dlovunga