Multisectoral HIV/AIDS prevention in Eastern Cape II

active

The project is being carried out in the Eastern Cape province. It is aimed in particular at young women who live in suburban (partly informal) settlements in the Buffalo City district. Since dual infection with HIV and increasingly drug-resistant tuberculosis (TB) as well as the spread of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) is a growing health problem, especially among the poorer sections of the population in South Africa, a multi-sectoral prevention approach is being pursued to prevent these diseases, which targets a comprehensive mix of currently recognized prevention measures at a specific target group in a geographically defined micro-epidemic. This approach includes both biomedical interventions and measures aimed at changing behavior and improving structural challenges (gender-based violence - GBV, lack of job prospects). In accordance with the results of an inventory carried out at the start of the project, other high-risk groups - such as prison inmates and sex workers - will also be included. The module objective is (i) a positive change in risk behavior, (ii) increased use of preventive (and curative) health services related to HIV, STI and TB, and (iii) strengthening the self-esteem (self efficacy) of young women. The project thus contributes to the overarching program objective of German development cooperation (reduction of new HIV infections in the intervention areas). The recipient is the South African foundation DG Murray Trust (DGMT). The German contribution from FC funds amounts to EUR 8 million. The project represents an extension of the first phase by continuing the project measures in Buffalo City and a geographical expansion to neighboring high-risk areas of the Amathole district. In addition, measures to develop positive, socio-cultural gender norms among girls and boys are to be implemented.