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Fiji Red Cross Society is committed to the prevention of HIV/AIDS and
the provision of care and support services for people living with HIV/AIDS.
Peer Education
The Fiji Red Cross Society delivered peer education to 1,674 people throughout
Fiji in 2004. The Nadi and Lautoka branches conducted peer education session
on HIV/AIDS to 1, 060 people, 400 people were addressed in Savusavu, 147
through the National Office and 48 people received HIV/AIDS education in
Labasa. The Levuka and Rakiraki branches also conducted peer educations
sessions within the last three months to communities in their area.
Puppet Shows
HIV/AIDS education dissemination through
Puppet Theatre continued to be delivered to schools, villages and communities
in Labasa, Lautoka and Suva Branches and the National Office. Puppetry is
a successful medium for delivering HIV/AIDS education as it is non-confrontational,
highly adaptable and relevant to all ages.
HIV/AIDS and Disaster Preparedness
A response package for HIV/AIDS has been created for use in times of
disaster. It involves peer education, delivery of Information Education
Communication (IEC) material and condom distribution throughout target areas
during disaster preparedness and response activities. The package was created
after undertaking a survey to analyse the risk taking behaviour and STI/HIV/AIDS
before, during and after disasters.
Treatment and Care
The Fiji Red Cross Society continues to distribute the handbook for caring
for People Living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA)
to relevant community members. Community and youth Outreach Programmes also
disseminated HIV/AIDS information raising awareness to reduce stigma and
promote care and support for PLWHA, their families and carers in Nadi, Lautoka,
Savu Savu, Raki Raki, Levuka, Labasa and Suva.
Information Education Communication (IEC) and Condom
distribution
HIV/AIDS & STI’s health education pamphlets and condoms can be collected
from the Fiji Red Cross Society National Office in Suva and other
Branches. These items are also distributed
at blood banks, and other activities, workshops and educational sessions.
HIV/AIDS and First Aid
HIV/AIDS education continues to be delivered in all Fiji Red Cross First
Aid courses.
Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission of HIV/AIDS
Information regarding the prevention of mother to child transmission
of HIV/AIDS has been incorporated into one of the
puppet scripts and the curriculum for the
Mind That Child Programme.
HIV/AIDS in the Workplace
HIV/AIDS training in the workplace can significantly reduce HIV-related
anxiety and stigmatisation, minimise disruption in the workplace and bring
about attitudinal and behavioural change. Workplaces are made up of skilled
personnel capable of improving prevention, treatment, care and support initiatives
within Fiji.
The 3-hour education session on HIV/AIDS in the Workplace is available
through the Fiji Red Cross Society.
After completing HIV/AIDS training in the workplace, participants will:
- increase their understanding of HIV/AIDS
- receive a brief on the National Code of Practise on HIV/AIDS in the
Workplace
- increase their understanding on how to reduce the risks of transmission
- understand the vulnerability of people infected and affected with
HIV/AIDS in the workplace
- receive guidelines for developing HIV/AIDS in the Workplace policies
- provide Information Education Communication (IEC) material on HIV/AIDS
for their workplaces
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