Improving the SRH of Young People in India
Promoting Rights-Based Action to Improve Youth and Adolescent SRH including HIV and AIDS in India (PRAYASH) funded by the European Commission
India has experienced a sharp increase in the number of HIV infections since the early 1990s.
In 2006 the numbers of people living with HIV/AIDS was an estimated 5.7 million. The two states we are working in, West Bengal and Jharkand, currently have low levels of HIV, but the number of cases in these states could increase, particularly among young people.
Adolescent sexual relations are a taboo subject in much of Indian society and existing sexual and reproductive health services are not inclusive of unmarried individuals. Many adults avoid talking about sex with children for fear of encouraging promiscuous behaviour.
- Young people less likely to engage in risky sexual activity if they have access to appropriate information and services.
INTERACT WORLDWIDE IN INDIA
Working in partnership with the respected local organisation, The Child in Need Institute, we are initiating a 'peer education' programme, which trains young people to raise awareness and promote behaviour change amongst their own peer group. We are also sensitising communities and training health service providers so that they are aware of the specific sexual health needs of young people. Local government has expressed its enthusiasm and willingness to support the scale of this work, therefore helping to ensure its sustainability. A brochure outlining this work has been developed and is available here.
The Child in Need Institute (CINI) CINI has over 30 years experience in working at community level with vulnerable children and young people on SRH&R and HIV/AIDS issues.
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