Switzerland |
HIV/AIDS Prevention for Migrants from Sub-Saharan Africa (AFRIMEDIA)
Location: Cantons of Zurich, Geneva, Vaud
Project (SCIH involvement finished at the end of 2006)
Switzerland has a successful and world wide renowned national HIV/AIDS prevention and control programme. However, certain sub groups of the general population – particularly migrants – are not equally reached by the existing prevention campaigns. In addition, certain migrants originate from heavily affected countries where infection rates are higher. Migration, in addition, is a well known vulnerability factor for HIV infection. For these reasons target group specific offers, tailored to the needs of the particular sub groups, were developed in order to complement the existing programme.
The AFRIMEDIA project aims at rendering HIV and AIDS prevention, treatment and care services equally accessible to migrants of Sub Saharan African origin as to the Swiss population. AFRIMEDIA's main approach is to provide prevention and health promotion through 15 peer educators who use the existing networks of African communities in Switzerland such as churches, hairdresser shops, associations and bars to reach members of the African communities. In addition to the peer education and community based approach, opinion leaders, other actors and organisations are actively involved in developing and implementing prevention services.
Partners
In the first phase (2002-April 2006) the project was implemented jointly by the Swiss Red Cross (SRK) and the Swiss TPH on behalf of the Swiss Federal Office of Public Health (BAG). From April to December 2006. The SCIH had a technical advisory mandate to the Swiss AIDS Federation (AHS). After successful handing over, the project is now implemented by AHS.
Swiss Red Cross (SRK)
Swiss Aids Federation (AHS)
AIDS Federation Zürich (ZAH)
Other cantonal branches of the AIDS Federation
Migros (Genossenschaftsbund)
Funding Agency
Swiss Federal Office of Public Health
Objectives
The target group of the project comprise sub-Saharan African immigrants living in the intervention cantons of Zurich, Geneva and Vaud. Through its community based approach the project aims at raising awareness and changing behaviour, fighting taboos, stigmatisation and discrimination as well as facilitating access to existing prevention programmes, treatment and care services.
Outputs/Outcome
- Appropriate and accessible prevention campaigns are developed and used by the peer educators.
- A network of peer educators for a community based approach is created.
- Project interventions involve opinion leaders and key stakeholders.
- The target group is empowered to make healthy decisions and choice and is familiar with existing services.
- Swiss and European actors in the field of migration and HIV/AIDS are supported.
Financial Volume
Approximately € 500,000
Timeframe of SCIH Involvement
2002-2006