Getting adolescents on stage can be a challenge, but in one area of Cambodia doing this is helping reduce the spread of HIV and encouraging people to access information and services.
The indigenous people in Ratanakiri province have limited awareness of HIV, lack access to health services and have limited access to contraceptives because of socio-economic barriers and cultural beliefs.
To break down these barriers, young people are trained to put on community theatre performances in their villages. Storylines incorporate HIV transmission, HIV counselling and testing, stigma and health rights. Question and answer sessions help people find out more about specific health concerns and understand the issues.
- A mobile video unit is also being set up, showing videos on HIV and other key health issues and building on messages delivered through community theatre.
- To increase access to contraceptives and other reproductive health products, the project is increasing the number of outlets selling these products.
- It is also training retailers on HIV, birth spacing and use of contraceptives.
- Regular health meetings are held in villages, allowing communities to discuss their health concerns and possible ways to overcome barriers to health.
This project benefits more than 50,000 indigenous people in the area.
Last year, 8,900 villagers attended community theatre events in their villages, and more than 16,000 attended mobile video shows. As a result they have benefited through increased awareness of HIV/AIDS and other key reproductive health issues.
Sophal is HIV positive and works with Health Poverty Action to help raise awareness of the disease in these remote villages.
“During my visits I observe how the villages show a real interest in learning more about the disease. I assist by telling the true story of my own experiences, to provide them with an example so that they do not make the same mistakes.”
To allow communities to feedback on the project’s progress and engage in further discussions on key health issues, a feedback meeting is held once a year in all 158 villages where activities are being carried out.
Last modified: 12/08/2011
