24 Sep 2014 HIV and AIDS Prevention among Youth

HIV and AIDS Communication and Stigma

Nicaragua

90 adolescents and young people (64% female) from León, Chinandega, Managua, Carazo, Jinotega, Matagalpa and Nueva Guinea departments gained knowledge on life skills, sexual & reproductive health, including strategies to establish youth networks on HIV prevention. Active youth networks on HIV prevention have been established. 54 pastors and religious leaders (8% female) from 23 churches participated in 3 fora: on HIV and AIDS; on human rights, stigma and discrimination, and; on pastoral-biblical reflection on HIV and AIDS. They adopted a declaration expressing the need for the church to demonstrate solidarity on HIV and AIDS. As well, they established contact with groups living with HIV and AIDS to contribute to the fight against the spread of the pandemic. The religious leaders’ fora influenced public opinion and were replicated by peer groups. Youth groups and religious leaders dialogued in spaces created to reflect and share experiences on HIV and AIDs. The project contributed to promoting the need for prevention and caring for those affected by HIV and AIDS from a theological, human rights and gender-equitable perspective.

Final Report