Road Town, Tortola - The National AIDS Programme, Ministry of Health and Social Development, in conjunction with the Department for International Development and the Association for International Development recently concluded a two-week Participatory Ethnographic Evaluation and Research (PEER) project with three master trainers and seven youth researchers.
The purpose of the project was to train youth peer researchers to gather qualitative baseline behavioural information on the Territory’s most at risk populations, specifically adolescents and young adults.
Assistant Coordinator of the National AIDS Programme Mrs. Noelene Clarke told the Department of Information and Public Relations that the aim is to establish behavioural baselines that can be used to plan and monitor appropriate interventions, which promote positive behaviour change and reduce the impact of AIDS on the 16–24 year age group.
Mrs. Clarke said the February 6–18 project was used to gather data on the context of unprotected sex and other related HIV risk behaviours as well as the barriers that prevent the Territory’s youth from accessing sexual health services to enable prevention, diagnosis, care, and support.
“Information was also attained regarding the context and consequences of stigma and discrimination among young people as it relates to homosexuality, HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases,” she noted.
Peer Research Consultant Mr. Joel Joseph of Trinidad and Tobago provided technical assistance in conducting the PEER researcher training, refining the interview topic guide based on reports from field testing, leading the data collection process and analysis of the data.
The assistant coordinator noted that she is satisfied and excited with the recent research project, which was the first of similar projects to be undertaken. “The time has come for us to base our programmes and activities on evidence as this is the only way for us as a Territory to effectively address the issues that negatively impact our youth, and in turn solicit their advice and assistance in steering the measures that will be more effective in reaching them as they relate to safer sex practices, sexuality, sexually transmitted diseases, and access to health care,” she explained.
The Ministry of Health and Social Development aspires to provide leadership that promotes health, social wellbeing, and a safe environment as positive resources for living and sustainable development of the Territory.
British Virgin Islands News