1ST ACTIVITY
2ND GOAL ACTIVITY
3RD GOAL ACTIVITY
4TH GOAL ACTIVITY

1ST GOAL ACTIVITY

General Participant Information:

Name of participant: JANET ANOKYE
Age: 33
Gender: :FEMALE

School: ARMED FORCES SECONDARY TECHNICAL.
Grade:

Email address:janokye@forces.worldgh.com

Postal address:ARMED FORCES SEC. TECH., BOX KS12863


Questions:

1. Why do you want to participate in the WorLD HIV/AIDS Collaborative Project?
Because I want to know how more about this HIV/AIDS and how best we can find a cure to it or solve this unfortunate situation. 


2. What do you understand the link between HIV and AIDS to be? HIV is the virus which will eventually develop into
AIDS and put people to death.

3. How can HIV be spread from one person to another?
HIV can spread from one person to another through physical contact like sex.
Again, through blood transfusion and using the same implement like blade, scissors etc.

4. How is most of the HIV that is spread in your country passed from one person to another?
The spread is mostly due to sex.

5. What percent of the adults in your country are infected with HIV?
How do you know this?
About 50 s it is normally discuss on the media.

6. What do you most want to learn from this Collaborative Project? I want to learn about how best we can
educate people to prevent themselves from this deadly disease.

7. What do you think that you yourself can do to address HIV/AIDS in your community?
By having club in my community and educate people on how to prevent themselves from the HIV/AIDS disease. I can do this because of
having an advantage as a teacher.

8. Do you know what peer education is?
If yes, please explain it: Peer education in my opinion is where the age groups educate themselves.

9. Who do you talk to when you have questions about HIV/AIDS? 

I normally talk to those officials at hospitals who talk about AIDS or who educate the public.

10. Are condoms available in your community? Yes 

Why or why not? It is likely that people will have an affair so the condoms are there for protection.

11. Is there a cure for AIDS? Not yet, because the research is still being carried on.

12. Do you know anyone who is HIV positive? Yes

13. Do you know anyone who has died of AIDS? Yes

Second goal activities.

Does HIV or AIDS affect women differently than men?

1.  Hiv/AIDS does not affects woman differently in any way than men. HIV/AIDS is common to both sex so in this case, both men and women are at risk for catching HIV. Through the practice of sharing blades, casual sex, just to mention a few, women  and men are equally at risk of getting affected with HIV/AIDS.  This is so because HIV/AIDS is a disease, and as we are all aware, it can catch anyone who does not take good care of his/her self.
   Some men endeavour to have female sexual partners extraordinarily apart from their wives whilst some women with no sex control mechanisms fall prey to their managers and other men and finally transmit it to their partners.

2.  Who is most vulnerable to acquiring HIV in your country? Men, women, children, youth.  What age? Why are they most at risk?

Youth are most vulnerable to acquiring HIV in my country.
Youth in Ghana are more vulnerable to have the highest rate of HIV. because they always want to satisfy their sexual desire.  Some of the males deceive their female counterparts in the boarding houses of various various schools to indulge in sexual act.  Also, the illiterate youth up the rural areas know nothing about condoms and therefore engage in unprotected sex. If even  these rural folks know the use of condoms, not always will they spend their insufficient money on condom just to satisfy their sexual desires. Youth who are between the ages of 14-23 easily acquire the HIV/AIDS especially, during the adolescent period .  All is due to financial problem and most importantly to satisfy their curiousity.

3. What effect has HIV/AIDs had on your community's culture?

HIV/AIDS has adversive and positive effects on my community's culture.  It has positively affected the culture by putting fears in those youth of strong sexual desires and also prevent marriage couples from fornicating.  But on the contrary, kills some prominent  members in the process of developing the community as far as Ghana is concerned  HIV/AIDS has indeed run the culture of Ghana.  A resent debate organized for two schools in Ghana brought the awareness that, if virtual steps are not taken, the rich Ghanaian culture we inherited from our forefathers will be gone away.   The notion was "Is it safe to have Good Morals than to use condoms in prevention of HIV/AIDS".  Condom as we all know is not 100% safe so sex is only good for marriage couples.

4.  What effect does HIV/AIDS had on life expectancy in your country?

  HIV/AIDS has reduced the life expectancy of both children and adults. HIV victim can only know the length of his/her life expectancy if he/she can reckon back of the unprotected sex and any other way through which he could attract the disease.   From doctors overview so far, it is found that a victim may develop the disease for three to five years (3-5) and may leave the world approximately within  6 years.

5.  What are the economic impacts of HIV/AIDS?
 
   HIV/AIDS has killed many people (youth and adults of energetic strength) who could have used their energy, ideas and minds to liberate the country, and for that matter, African continent from mental slavery and work hard to increase production. Those people who could have helped to increase production at the shortest time die with their strength.  Therefore. what is left for those alive is to be poor forever.

6. Can you be tested for HIV/AIDS? Why should someone be tested for
HIV?  

Yes, someone must be tested not only to know if he has contracted the virus, but then to see anything which can cause detriment to his body. Those who indulge in sexual act feel nervous to do so, because they may think they can be tested positive. To my best knowledge, I understand HIV/AIDS test can be declared within two or three hours.

7. what should someone with HIV do to prolong their life?
 
 HIV patient should not think too much as this can bring psychological effects.  Again, regular exercise must be done and should stick to one partner.  Some herbal drugs which are now on sale can be given to someone
with HIV virus and most importantly, water must be taken regularly.

8.  Are injecting drugs an issue where you live? What about sharing  of blades, needle, tattooing, piercing and razor blade?
   
Injecting is not an issue in our community.  Besides, sharing of needles, tattooing, piercing and razor blades are issues in our country but it's account to HIV is of small percentage.

Janet Anokye
Armed Forces Sec. Tech.Sch.
kumasi-Ghana.

THIRD GOAL ACTIVITY 

IS IT EASY TO TALK ABOUT HIV/AIDS WITH FRIENDS? HOW MANY OF US TALK ABOUT HIV WITH OUR FRIENDS? WHAT DO WE TALK ABOUT?

1a. In answer to this question, some students and few people in the community were interviewed. What came out of this interview was that, it is not all that easy because it depends on the nature of the person talking to and the circumstances. In the community, some even said that they don't want to talk about Aids because the more you talk about it the more you become scared and psychologically you can become a victim.
There were some positive responds from few people interviewed. They claimed that it is easy to talk about HIV/AIDS since people are now aware that it is real and would like to hear more about it for their safety. Some of the students came out that , they like talking about HIV/AIDS with friends on prevention by staying away from sex by the use of condom. They also claimed that it is part of their subject so they don't joke with it at all.
In short, a handful of us who have in-depth knowledge about Aids talk about AIDS . We talk about the death rate and its mode of transmission.

IS IT EASY TO TALK WITH HEALTH WORKERS ABOUT HIV/AIDS? ARE YOUTH AND THEIR QUESTIONS AND OPINIONS WELCOME IN OUR LOCAL CLINICS? WHY OR WHY NOT?

b. Few of the people interviewed came out that, they do not find it easy discussing HIV/AIDS with their parents for being suspected of indulging in sex act since they consider themselves too young. Majority of the respondents said, they do find it easy discussing HIV/AIDS with their parents. They claimed that many people are dying from this disease and the parents are aware and would like to hear about the real causes, prevention and how to treat those who are victims.  One even came out that , the mother claimed that within one week ten victims have died out of HIV/AIDS and honestly she is very cared and even advised that they must be very careful in all situations. Another person came out that, it is assumed our parents are grown ups so they cannot contract the disease so there is no need talking to them or we feel shy to talk to parents about HIV/AIDS.

C. Yes. Youth questions are very welcome in our local clinics because the health workers are open and friendly so the youth are able to share their opinion and questions with them.

2. THE INFLUENCE OF CULTURE
A. DOES YOUR COMMUNITY HAVE ANY TRADITIONAL PRACTICES THAT HAVE HELPED TO PREVENT THE SPREAD OF HIV? IF SO, WHAT ARE THEY?

2. a. - Bragro , Dipo

b. Funerals, Festivals

c. Traditional practices which helps to stop the spread of HIV abhors promiscuity, thus sex before marriage and encourages abstinence. In this way, it is checking the spread of HIV through the delay of first sexual intercourse.  But those practices which encourages HIV transmission exhibits the decline in moral values . Morality is at its lowest ebb and people do all kinds of things. Funerals are a weekly feature in almost all the communities
in the District . Funerals are accompanied by lots of entertainment and consumption of alcohol and there are opportunities for new sexual encounters deadly to the spread of the HIV.

Festivals are celebrated annually. And during festivals people from all walks of life tropes to the town to partake in the activities of the festival and the social interaction among the people gives opportunities for new sexual encountered.

THE INFLUENCE OF ECONOMICS- DOES THE ECONOMIC SITUATION IN YOUR COUNTRY PLAY A ROLE IN HIV TRANSMISSION?

3. The Ghanaian economy is not something to boast of. A greater proportion of the population are in low income levels coupled with limited opportunities to go into other jobs makes the people poor. This makes it difficult for the people to provide for the up keep of their homes and this
compelled the young ones to engage themselves in sexual relationship to cater for themselves. The illiteracy rate of mode of transmission is high. The
only known mode of transmission is unprotected sex. An evidence is the numerous barbering shops which have sprung up who not sterilize their instrument after each use.

DOES YOUR GOVERNMENT DO ANYTHING TO AFFECT THE PREVENTION OR TREATMENT OF HIV/AIDS? IF SO GIVE US AN EXAMPLE OF WHAT IT DOES.

4. The Government : There is no documentation policy on HIV/AIDS. But the Ghana Government has pledge to support the prevention of HIV/AIDS by giving 15% of the national budget to HIV/AIDS prevention. There is establishment of National AIDS commission which has
been inaugurated. There are plans to set up Regional and District AIDS commission throughout the country. The Government has encourage the NGO’s to go into AIDS prevention. Educational awareness programmes have been conducted nation wide. There is an ongoing establishment of District Response initiative to help curb the spread of HIV/AIDS in almost all Districts. Messages about HIV/AIDS are on TV Screens,
posters and Mass Media are seen everywhere .

THE INFLUENCE OF RELIGION
A). HOW DO YOUR LOCAL CHURCHES, SYNAGOGUES ETC. FEEL ABOUT HIV/AIDS? HOW DO YOU KNOW WHAT THEY THINK ABOUT HIV/AIDS?

5,. RELIGION : The churches and other religions bodies see HIV/AIDS for the promiscuous people, since the preaching abstinence and morality lives. Yet they feel bad since AIDS is pandemic. The churches have been involved in the education campaign in collaboration with the Health Management Team. In collaboration with Resource Persons the Youth groups organise lectures and film shows on HIV/AIDS.
So far, no proper care is giving to people living with or affected by HIV/AIDS.  People see it as stigma to the family so they rather shun
people living with AIDS.  Churches detest the use of condoms so they are doing all that they can to promote abstinence and morality.

d. Local religions leaders should incorporate HIV/AIDS into the church programmes and hammer it often since it has assume social issue instead of Health issues

COULD SOMEONE ACQUIRE HIV FROM BLOOD TRANSFUSION IN YOUR COUNTRY? WHY OR WHY NOT? HOW DO YOU KNOW?

6. It is known that blood Transfusion is made of HIV/AIDS transmission but in which one can acquire HIV/AIDS if not properly screen at the Laboratory. So far in my community, no one has acquired HIV through blood Transfusion but if the laboratory equipments are not in good order definitely one will get the HIV. 

JANET ANOKYE & STUDENTS
ARMED FORCES SEC. TECH.SCH.

ROLAND ADAPAKRO
LAWRENCE NYARKO
MAXWELL APPIAH
DOVI DABLAH
SOLOMON WAYOE
LINUS PEPRA

4TH GOAL ACTIVITY - SOCIAL ACTION.

WHAT CAN YOU DO IN YOUR COMMUNITY TO PREVENT THE SPREAD OF HIV? YOU AS AN INDIVIDUAL. B. AS A SCHOOL.

1. As an individual we would like to advise our colleagues or peers and discuss the effect of HIV on individuals life span.

b. As a school, there should be education on the disease, seminars, symposium, talks/lectures should be organized for the students.
Film shows on STDS/HIV/AIDS should also be screen in the community and to the students.


WHAT WOULD BE THE CHALLENGES TO THESE PREVENTION ACTIVITIES? WHAT HAVE YOU OVERCOME TO BE
SUCCESSFUL. WHO CAN YOU ASK FOR HELP?

c. Challenges to the prevention activities would be both material and financial resources.

Funds for the organization and materials like information and Education handouts, Audio-visual equipments to screen the films.


d. We can for help from the NGO’S . For instance PPAG,  CEDEP & Health Education Unit of M.O.H.

2. WHAT IS PEER EDUCATION?

Peer Education is training someone especially the Youth to be competent enough to educate his
colleagues or age mate on effects of a problem in a community, District. Region or in the country as a whole.

HOW DO YOU KNOW WHAT IT IS?

Through available training and workshop and the youth are organized for peer education workshop to come and educate their peers on HIV, STDS .

DO HAVE ANY EXPERIENCE WITH IT?

Some of us have but the community does not have peer education programme.

ARE THERE ANY HIV/AIDS NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS WORKING IN YOUR COMMUNITY.

There are non-governmental organizations available in the city but non is working in my community. I think they can help in my action plan if only I contact them, since we are working towards the same goal.

3. ARE CONDOMS AVAILABLE IN YOUR AREA? IF THEY ARE , ARE THEY USED? IF NOT , WHAT ARE THE FACTORS THAT KEEP THEM OUT OF YOUR COMMUNITY?

Condoms are on sale both male and female. Most men utilize it but a few do not due to traditional or cultural practices which make people feel shy to patronize it Culturally, if you are seen buying condom the wrong notion is that you are promiscuous. And so people do not want to have that notion about them so they feel reluctant to buy condom from the chemical stores or in public.

4. WHAT CAN PEOPLE IN YOUR COMMUNITY DO TO HELP THE AFFECTED ADULTS AND CHILDREN IN YOUR AREA?

They must support the adults and children by giving them care and affection. There is nothing like home-based care in the community.

ARE THERE ANY ORPHANS IN YOUR AREA? IF SO ARE THEY GOING TO SCHOOL?

Definitely there are orphans in the area going to school and being supported by relatives.

MANY ORPHANS ARE JUST AS SMART AND CAPABLE AS CHILDREN WITH PARENTS. SHOULD OUR SOCIAL
ACTION PLANS ADDRESS THIS?

The Action plan should consider these orphans as well. The NGO'S and some leaders in the community must also be aware and support them.

FIVE WAYS TO REDUCE THE SPREAD OF HIV IN GHANA

1. Educational campaign based on promotion of condom sales. The sale of condom should be such that, people will not feel shy buying them

2. Encourage voluntary counseling and testing.

3. Drama in HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention at the school level.

4. Promotion on abstinence especially the youth.

5. To promote behavioural change among students.



SOCIAL ACTION PLAN.

We are going to promote behavioural change among identified vulnerable groups through intensified public education eg film show and lecture.

ACTIVITIES

Day 1&2

1. To organise HIV/AIDS film shows and Lecture, its mode of transmission, symptoms and effects


Day 3

2. Games:
Football - Kick AIDS out of Armed Forces Sec. Tech Sch. and the entire community.

3. Day 4
Quiz and Lecture ( care and support)

4. Day 5
Lecture, Drama and Pick and Act.

Formation of Health life club.


TIME FRAME
One Week.

TARGET GROUP

Students, Resource Persons & The community.

RESPONSIBLE PERSONS

PPAG, Regional AIDS Coordinator & Regional Health Coordinator.

RESOURCES REQUIRED

TV, Video, Honorariums, Snacks, T&T, Stationery &Presentations.

SOURCES OF FUNDING -------------


JANET ANOKYE & STUDENTS
ARMED FORCES SEC.TECH.SCH.
KUMASI-GHANA

BELOW ARE THE NAMES OF THE STUDENTS:

ROLAND ANDY ADAPAKRO
LAWRENCE NYARKO
MAXWELL APPIAH
LINUS PEPRA
SOLOMON WAYOE
DOVI DABLAH

THANK YOU AND HOPE TO HEAR FROM YOU.