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

Objectives
To promote positive behaviour change among individuals in the eight communities, focusing on Abstinence, Mutual faithfulness, Partner reduction and Condom use.To increase community participation and awareness of HIV prevention strategies through peer education, involvement of church leaders, as well as community outreach and education activities.

Project approach
The project has 48 trained Community Peer Facilitators, six per region who are responsible for conducting HIV prevention message dissemination activities in their communities.

Key activities

 ·        Community outreach activities; Community Peer Facilitators (CPFs) conduct home visits where they reach different people at household level through one-on-one sessions or group sessions where HIV prevention messages are delivered.

<!--[Media activities; this is an interactive radio programme which is broadcast in the Voice of the Church (VOC) radio station whereby guests share their life experiences under the different project themes.

Community public campaigns (roadshows); these are conducted to re-enforce messages and to raise awareness on HIV prevention in the communities through edutainment activities.