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Multiple Concurrent Partnerships-One Love Campaign


1. Project Title: Youth leadership in multi-sectoral approach to reduce MCPs: Community mobilization and outreach “One love” campaign  
 
2. Project Donor: CDC
 
3. Project Summary: Youth leadership in multi-sectoral approach to reduce multiple concurrent sexual partnerships: One love campaign project which is a functional model project to disseminate information to the risk groups using the already established infrastructures of SYGE which ensure cost effectiveness, sustainability and result oriented. The project has been implemented since October 2009.  General objective: To change the behavior that puts high school students at risk of infection of HIV and AIDS, particularly MCP. Specific objectives:
 
a. Increasing perception of risks associated with partners’ unknown HIV status and sexual behaviors.
b. Increase individuals’ communication and negotiation skills and perceived self efficacy to prevent infection.
c. Increase fidelity in long-term partnerships; reduce the number of partners students have, especially concurrent partners.
d. Change social and cultural norms (especially gender norms) that encourage/perpetuate MCPs.
e. Increase consistent and correct condom use in concurrent relationships.
 
Target Population: High School Students in 5 schools in Addis Ababa: Addis Ketema Preparatory School, Lem High School, Yekatit 12 Preparatory school, Medhanialem Highschool, and Frehiwot Preparatory school.
 
4. Justifications: In Ethiopia the highest HIV infections are being occurred among the  persons aged 15 to 25 years. Adolescence, when sexual activity generally commences but behavior patterns are still impressionable, is a critical time for HIV prevention.  Schools are particularly important for adolescent sexual behavior interventions, especially where health services are inaccessible. Yet, well organized school-based AIDS prevention programs do not exist in Ethiopia. The knowledge, attitude, behavioral change and practices of people concerning HIV and AIDS have brought a positive change. Adolescence is a critical stage when physical, psychological and social changes take place. The adolescent are curious and wants to try everything including sex and drugs. This kind of curiosity is a way that increases the adolescents’ vulnerability to HIV infection. Therefore, it is urgent and elemental to give adolescents school HIV/AIDS prevention education to help them develop a healthy lifestyle. Youth are the future of a country. But, most of the time student do not considered as the main agents in the prevention and control of the disease. And, they have a potential to be best HIV/AIDS educators to their fellow students and know best about the sexual behaviors and activities of their peers and their needs. This approach encourages genuine openness and strong commitment among students about their sexual escapades and their risky practice. 
 
5. Project Goal: To change the behavior that puts high school students at risk of infection of HIV and AIDS,  Particularly MCP
   
6. Implementation Location: The project is implemented within five High schools in Addis Ababa ( medihanai lem, lem, yekatit, frehiwot and Addis ketema Highschools)