Caucasus: "Culturally Appropriate IEC for HIV Prevention in the three Caucasus countries: Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia" -

HIV and AIDS

Caucasus: "Culturally Appropriate IEC for HIV Prevention in the three Caucasus countries: Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia"

Caucasus:

Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia share various social, economic, political and cultural traits that make it difficult to address the issue of HIV and AIDS in appropriate ways.

The UNESCO-Flemish government joint project ‘Culturally Appropriate Information, Education, Communication for HIV Prevention in the Three Caucasus Countries’ aims to assist these Member States in analysing relevant socio-cultural issues and in the development of relevant and sustainable responses to the HIV epidemic.

The project is conceived in two phases: the first, research-oriented phase (January 2004-June 2005) aimed at the identification of the socio-cultural issues influencing the spread of HIV, such as traditions, beliefs, religions, ways of life, gender norms and practices.

The second phase of the project (August 2005 – March 2006) used the research findings as a basis for development of culturally appropriate education materials and training of trainers in this field.

The results of the first research-oriented phase of the project have been published and are available on–line in the following documents:

“HIV and AIDS in the Caucasus Region: A Socio-Cultural Approach” (ENGLISH and RUSSIAN )

“HIV and AIDS in Armenia: A Socio-Cultural Approach” (ENGLISH RUSSIAN ARMENIAN)

“HIV and AIDS in Azerbaijan: A Socio-Cultural Approach” ((ENGLISH (RUSSIAN (AZERI)

“HIV and AIDS in Georgia: A Socio-Cultural Approach” ((ENGLISH&GEORGIAN; (RUSSIAN)

The second phase of the project is now in progress and will focus on specific interventions based on the research results found in the above publications.