Re: Bali Youth Force Questions - Week 1
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Marco Gomes
Jun 12, 2009, 12:14:18 AM6/12/09
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Hi everyone,
My name is Marco Gomes, 29 years old, Toronto Canada. I am a health policy adviser, Center for Health Policy and Innovation. Completing a maters (MSc) in Public Health Financing and the former Global Youth Coalition on HIV/AIDS - Regional Focal Point North America, current actively engaged in the GYCA Task-force.
This specific question can only be answered to two parts. Yes and no policies and programs strategic in Canada provision for prevention of HIV/AIDS among young people are weak, lack evaluation and support. Young people are key to the future course of the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Preventing HIV transmission among youth will be a determining factor in the course of the epidemic for decades to come.
Youth and HIV
Young Canadians who are sexually active and/or use injection drugs are at risk of HIV infection. Since the beginning of the HIV epidemic the average age of infection has decreased. Although young Canadians are better informed of how HIV is transmitted, there is ample evidence to suggest that youth do not always protect themselves or others. Sexually transmitted disease rates are generally falling, but are still highest among youth. Unplanned pregnancy, multiple sexual partners and sexual activity without protection are still common. Alcohol and other drug use is highest among youth and is associated with a risk of acquiring HIV.
HIV Prevention
Persistent HIV prevention efforts are required to keep youth well informed of the modes of transmission and means of protection from HIV infection. While this information is necessary, it is not sufficient to protect youth from infection. Young people also require guidance and assistance in understanding their personal values, in developing skills to protect themselves, and in recognizing how their social environments can help support them in making decisions. Parents, schools, public health and the professional community have an important role to play in providing information to young people and in creating supportive social environments.
Health Canada, in partnership with provincial and territorial departments of education, has identified HIV and sexual health in the school curriculum as an important issue and one that requires continuous attention. In addition to sexuality education, resources that address the issue of homophobia and the needs of northern students have also been developed. Future Health Canada initiatives include the expansion of a project with medical professionals to encourage youth to use condoms to prevent HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases, in conjunction with the contraceptive pill to prevent unwanted pregnancy. In addition, Health Canada is working in collaboration with the Council of Ministers of Education and a group of researchers to investigate factors that determine or affect sexual health in youth and the links to HIV preventio n.
Gay, Lesbian and Bisexual Y outh
Gay, lesbian and bisexual youth tend to leave school and their home environment early, and they are at greater risk of suicide, street involvement and drug use. These risks can be reduced by supportive social and family environments. Programs involving many community agencies that support youth have been developed to respond to the specific needs of gay, lesbian and bisexual youth.
Research on determinants of risk behaviour among young gay men reveal that issues such as loneliness, isolation, self-esteem, and lack of social support play an important role in risk-taking behaviour. Providing clear information and developing initiatives to address the social issues which affect risk behaviour will be key to reducing HIV infection among young gay me n.
Marginalized Y outh
Marginalized youth are most at risk of HIV infection. They often experience minimal control of their lives and have few social supports. Street involvement, injection drug use, homelessness and poverty contribute to substantial risk of HIV infection. HIV prevention in this population requires attending to the basic necessities of life including food, shelter and social support. Harm reduction strategies are important, such as needle exchange programs that include access to addiction treatment, mental health services, and medical services. Housing, education and work opportunities for marginalized youth are also necessary.
2. Are HIV & AIDS services such as voluntary counseling and testing, treatment, care and support etc., available in your country youth-friendly confidential, safe and welcoming space, non-judgmental, considerate of the realities and choices of young people etc.) ? Are these services affordable and accessible by marginalized young people as well?
Canada’s strategy on essential health care services, such STI diagnosis, voluntary counseling and testing, treatment, care and support are nationally available to the population. According to HIV/AIDS Epi Updates 2006, a pregnant young woman who is HIV positive and does not receive medical attention has between a 15 - 30% chance of passing the virus on to her baby during pregnancy and delivery, and a 10 - 20% chance while breastfeeding. This is true even if she has no symptoms.
These rates can be greatly reduced through preventive measures. Over the last 10 years, mother-to-child HIV transmission in Canada has decreased significantly, from 20% in 1997 to 4% in 2005.
Because HIV transmission during pregnancy, delivery or breastfeeding is highly preventable and no opportunity to prevent it should be missed, the recommendation contained in the HIV/AIDS Epi Updates 2006 (p. 46) is that all pregnant women be offered confidential HIV testing and counseling as part of routine prenatal care.
In Canada, some provinces provide a voluntary HIV test (the opt-in approach) which includes HIV counseling to all pregnant women as part of their prenatal testing, with written consent required before the test is done. In other provinces, doctors may choose to do routine HIV testing on pregnant women without counseling or explicit written consent (the opt-out approach).
Canada’s strategy on essential health care services, such STI diagnosis, voluntary counseling and testing, treatment, care and support are nationally available to the population. According to HIV/AIDS Epi Updates 2006, a pregnant young woman who is HIV positive and does not receive medical attention has between a 15 - 30% chance of passing the virus on to her baby during pregnancy and delivery, and a 10 - 20% chance while breastfeeding. This is true even if she has no symptoms.
These rates can be greatly reduced through preventive measures. Over the last 10 years, mother-to-child HIV transmission in Canada has decreased significantly, from 20% in 1997 to 4% in 2005.
Because HIV transmission during pregnancy, delivery or breastfeeding is highly preventable and no opportunity to prevent it should be missed, the recommendation contained in the HIV/AIDS Epi Updates 2006 (p. 46) is that all pregnant women be offered confidential HIV testing and counseling as part of routine prenatal care.
In Canada, some provinces provide a voluntary HIV test (the opt-in approach) which includes HIV counseling to all pregnant women as part of their prenatal testing, with written consent required before the test is done. In other provinces, doctors may choose to do routine HIV testing on pregnant women without counseling or explicit written consent (the opt-out approach).
3. Please describe the stigma and discrimination faced by young people in your country around HIV/ AIDS and related issues. In your opinion, what should be done at the policy level and at the community level to eliminate such stigma & discrimination?
Stigma against young people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) results in social isolation, and serious abuses of young peoples' rights. It also has a direct economic cost, as it makes HIV prevention efforts more difficult and expensive, and as YPLWHA often lose their jobs, and become dependent on their families and the society as a whole. Stigma means that young people may be reject. Young People are less likely to undergo HIV testing for fear of discrimination against themselves and their families. Ana YPLWHA may not access prevention or treatment programmes. This creates an environment in which HIV/AIDS can more easily spread.
There is growing evidence that discrimination against YPLWHA is common across Canada, especially in employment and health services. An August 2003 study among employers and workers in Vancouver and Toronto found that stigma and discrimination were prevalent in both cities . The varied cultural societies making up Vancouver and Toronto society recognises the right to work – yet, YPLWHA are often denied the basic right to support themselves and their families. Stigma and discrimination therefore also leaves a direct economic cost to families, and to the society as a whole.
Three actions would make a major contribution to reducing stigma and discrimination against YPLWHA. First, we need to de-link HIV and “social evils”. The campaigns against “social evils” are not preventing drug use or sex work. Nor are they preventing the increase in HIV infections from increasing with young people 15-30years of age. Rather, the idea of “social evils” is adding to the problem, and society cannot afford this approach any longer. Second, politicians; decision makers could show by their own example that there is nothing to fear from social contact with YPLWHA. Finally, the active participation of young people living with HIV/AIDS in society as well as in programmes to prevent HIV helps to reduce stigma and discrimination, and to improve the effectiveness of programmes.
Stigma against young people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) results in social isolation, and serious abuses of young peoples' rights. It also has a direct economic cost, as it makes HIV prevention efforts more difficult and expensive, and as YPLWHA often lose their jobs, and become dependent on their families and the society as a whole. Stigma means that young people may be reject. Young People are less likely to undergo HIV testing for fear of discrimination against themselves and their families. Ana YPLWHA may not access prevention or treatment programmes. This creates an environment in which HIV/AIDS can more easily spread.
There is growing evidence that discrimination against YPLWHA is common across Canada, especially in employment and health services. An August 2003 study among employers and workers in Vancouver and Toronto found that stigma and discrimination were prevalent in both cities . The varied cultural societies making up Vancouver and Toronto society recognises the right to work – yet, YPLWHA are often denied the basic right to support themselves and their families. Stigma and discrimination therefore also leaves a direct economic cost to families, and to the society as a whole.
Three actions would make a major contribution to reducing stigma and discrimination against YPLWHA. First, we need to de-link HIV and “social evils”. The campaigns against “social evils” are not preventing drug use or sex work. Nor are they preventing the increase in HIV infections from increasing with young people 15-30years of age. Rather, the idea of “social evils” is adding to the problem, and society cannot afford this approach any longer. Second, politicians; decision makers could show by their own example that there is nothing to fear from social contact with YPLWHA. Finally, the active participation of young people living with HIV/AIDS in society as well as in programmes to prevent HIV helps to reduce stigma and discrimination, and to improve the effectiveness of programmes.
Best,
Marco Gomes
Ukwo Joy Michael
Jun 12, 2009, 9:13:28 AM6/12/09
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Am Ukwo Joy Michael , am 25 year from Nigeria in west Africa. I am the Program Manger for INTERGENDER Development Center in Reproductive health /Malaria Unit. Currently doing my Master in Public Health in population and reprodutive health. Member of the taskforce of GYCA West Africa region.
In nigeria youth are yet gain adquate attention and pobilicity from the policy maker. There are no specific policy for for HIV/AIDS fro HIV/AIDS prevention among young people in nigeria.
There are hands of programs and activities on prevention of HIV/AIDS among young people but this are usually intiative of donor agencies. The government interventions on HIV/AIDS prevention in nigeria are not youth specific they are general program which do not meet the need the people. We do have adquate mechanism enabling even who arr postive in acess theri ART. Other marginalised group like lebian /Gay are not go area in nigeria we cant advocate for them as their laws restricting them.
--
Ukwo Joy Michael
Program Officer
InterGender Development Center
Area 11 #3 Osohgo close
08053566658
michael...@aim.com
tnemoto
Jun 12, 2009, 9:44:29 AM6/12/09
to byfecons...@googlegroups.com
Hello, This is Toma from Japan.
This is input from Japanese youth. I am very much sorry for that I
have just summerised up to Question 2.
I will post the next question as soon as I can.
Some Japanese youth (4-5) emailed me in Japanese and I translated to English.
Thanks and best,
Toma
****
Answer 1．
Policy:
In Japan, National AIDS prevention policy is existed, which is named
"the National Guideline for HIV/AIDS Prevention and Care". Under the
Japanese legislative system, a "guideline" is not legally binding, but
this guideline clearly mentions that young people should be regarded
as one of most important key populations. Although key population
should be paid for special attention not only by the government but
municipal governments as the guideline says such as special care for
testing, couselling, and medical treatment, the number of newly
infected young people living with HIV (YPLWH) is increasing. This is a
kind of tokenism of Japanese government. Clearly stating that young
people are important to well-treated, the government do no critical
intervention.
Youth themselves always is put on the spotlight as key population, but
specific youth population such as YPLWH, young sex workers, IDUs are
not clearly stated within this guideline. This, however is that school
pupils, who have already dropped out or secondary-school graduated is
paid special attention. For them, especially in Tokyo, we have some
peer programmes.
Other than "the National Guideline for HIV/AIDS Prevention and Care",
we have STIs prevention guideline and textbook method guideline for
teachers. As mentioned, a guideline is not legally binding. This means
that if you have not recieve any education or service from public
sector, no one can be blamed. Once we Japanese youth talked about our
past experiences on sexuality education, each methodology that we have
taken was very much different from each other.
Programme;
In Japan, we have some programmes initiated by youth themselves.
Although these look fun and realistic for younger generation, we do
not have evidence to get peer education go for more formal education.
Youth peer educatiors are always in resorce-constrained settings
financially and sustainabilty. As long as the authors are familiar
with, this type of peer education is implemented at school-settings
and/or for informal school-settings. Sometimes Gay Youth/MSM or girls
are to be targeted, not for whole youth.
Answer 2.
Generally speaking, free VCT service is available at public health
centre here in Japan. It, however, is not always youth-friendly;
- Timing (We have class at school in weekdays!)
- Voluntaly testing without counselling and/or confidentially (one of
our youth was asked his name in testing-setting)
(situation vaaries from health center to health center)
At the prefectual level, 2 public health centres are very
youth-friendly (Tokyo and Shizuoka), this implys that not all youth
nationwide in Japan have access for youth-friendly facility. In
addition to that, since we are covered by the universal care
(universal social insurance) policy, if you use social insurance, your
parents will know which private health clinic you go to.
Taking advantage of mobile phone, there are bunch of websites that
teach youth sexuality. According to the Office of cabint is 96% of the
senior high school students always use mobile phone. Spreading correct
information for well-recognized media including mobile phone is very
important for young people.
***
voices from Japanese youth:
1.
School Healthcare room is the place to talk about sexuality. She might
be scared to talk about sexuality with the other teachers, imagining
to let the other teachers notify her parents that she has problems on
sexuality such and such. Right after her graduation from senior high
school, she thought that no public reource such as one that she had
had in her senior high school-days. Currently she thinks that she
would use internet to talk about sexuality as she does not have to
expose her face and internet is cheap. (Talking about sexuality
(especially for girls) is a taboo in Japan.)
Testing at the public centre is hard to take since weekday
school-time... and it is not drop-by style, you have to make an
appointment a few days before you would like to go. Instead of HIV
testing for free, she decided to get tested at a private clinic. She
ended up paying so much and gave up keeping tested. Accessiblity is
far from her expectation.
2.
A gay confessed his first HIV testing experience; he could not tell he
was gay since the cousellor asked a qusetion such as when did you have
sex with a "girl"?
>> work - yet, YPLWHA are often denied the basic right to support themselves
-----------------------+++---
Tsutomu Nemoto ねもとつとむ
Master Programme
Department of Community and Global Health
Graduate School of Medicine
The University of Tokyo
tsutomu...@gmail.com
Regional Focal Point for Asia and Pacific
Global Youth Coalition on HIV/AIDS (GYCA)
to...@youthaidscoalition.org
www.iAIDS.org | www.youthaidscoalition.org
This is input from Japanese youth. I am very much sorry for that I
have just summerised up to Question 2.
I will post the next question as soon as I can.
Some Japanese youth (4-5) emailed me in Japanese and I translated to English.
Thanks and best,
Toma
****
Answer 1．
Policy:
In Japan, National AIDS prevention policy is existed, which is named
"the National Guideline for HIV/AIDS Prevention and Care". Under the
Japanese legislative system, a "guideline" is not legally binding, but
this guideline clearly mentions that young people should be regarded
as one of most important key populations. Although key population
should be paid for special attention not only by the government but
municipal governments as the guideline says such as special care for
testing, couselling, and medical treatment, the number of newly
infected young people living with HIV (YPLWH) is increasing. This is a
kind of tokenism of Japanese government. Clearly stating that young
people are important to well-treated, the government do no critical
intervention.
Youth themselves always is put on the spotlight as key population, but
specific youth population such as YPLWH, young sex workers, IDUs are
not clearly stated within this guideline. This, however is that school
pupils, who have already dropped out or secondary-school graduated is
paid special attention. For them, especially in Tokyo, we have some
peer programmes.
Other than "the National Guideline for HIV/AIDS Prevention and Care",
we have STIs prevention guideline and textbook method guideline for
teachers. As mentioned, a guideline is not legally binding. This means
that if you have not recieve any education or service from public
sector, no one can be blamed. Once we Japanese youth talked about our
past experiences on sexuality education, each methodology that we have
taken was very much different from each other.
Programme;
In Japan, we have some programmes initiated by youth themselves.
Although these look fun and realistic for younger generation, we do
not have evidence to get peer education go for more formal education.
Youth peer educatiors are always in resorce-constrained settings
financially and sustainabilty. As long as the authors are familiar
with, this type of peer education is implemented at school-settings
and/or for informal school-settings. Sometimes Gay Youth/MSM or girls
are to be targeted, not for whole youth.
Answer 2.
Generally speaking, free VCT service is available at public health
centre here in Japan. It, however, is not always youth-friendly;
- Timing (We have class at school in weekdays!)
- Voluntaly testing without counselling and/or confidentially (one of
our youth was asked his name in testing-setting)
(situation vaaries from health center to health center)
At the prefectual level, 2 public health centres are very
youth-friendly (Tokyo and Shizuoka), this implys that not all youth
nationwide in Japan have access for youth-friendly facility. In
addition to that, since we are covered by the universal care
(universal social insurance) policy, if you use social insurance, your
parents will know which private health clinic you go to.
Taking advantage of mobile phone, there are bunch of websites that
teach youth sexuality. According to the Office of cabint is 96% of the
senior high school students always use mobile phone. Spreading correct
information for well-recognized media including mobile phone is very
important for young people.
***
voices from Japanese youth:
1.
School Healthcare room is the place to talk about sexuality. She might
be scared to talk about sexuality with the other teachers, imagining
to let the other teachers notify her parents that she has problems on
sexuality such and such. Right after her graduation from senior high
school, she thought that no public reource such as one that she had
had in her senior high school-days. Currently she thinks that she
would use internet to talk about sexuality as she does not have to
expose her face and internet is cheap. (Talking about sexuality
(especially for girls) is a taboo in Japan.)
Testing at the public centre is hard to take since weekday
school-time... and it is not drop-by style, you have to make an
appointment a few days before you would like to go. Instead of HIV
testing for free, she decided to get tested at a private clinic. She
ended up paying so much and gave up keeping tested. Accessiblity is
far from her expectation.
2.
A gay confessed his first HIV testing experience; he could not tell he
was gay since the cousellor asked a qusetion such as when did you have
sex with a "girl"?
>> and their families. Stigma and discrimination therefore also leaves a direct
>> economic cost to families, and to the society as a whole.
>>
>> Three actions would make a major contribution to reducing stigma and
>> discrimination against YPLWHA. First, we need to de-link HIV and "social
>> evils". The campaigns against "social evils" are not preventing drug use or
>> sex work. Nor are they preventing the increase in HIV infections from
>> increasing with young people 15-30years of age. Rather, the idea of "social
>> evils" is adding to the problem, and society cannot afford this approach any
>> longer. Second, politicians; decision makers could show by their own example
>> that there is nothing to fear from social contact with YPLWHA. Finally, the
>> active participation of young people living with HIV/AIDS in society as well
>> as in programmes to prevent HIV helps to reduce stigma and discrimination,
>> and to improve the effectiveness of programmes.
>>
>> Best,
>> Marco Gomes
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> --
>> Ukwo Joy Michael
>> Program Officer
>> InterGender Development Center
>> Area 11 #3 Osohgo close
>> 08053566658
>> michael...@aim.com
>>
>> >>
>
--
>> economic cost to families, and to the society as a whole.
>>
>> Three actions would make a major contribution to reducing stigma and
>> discrimination against YPLWHA. First, we need to de-link HIV and "social
>> evils". The campaigns against "social evils" are not preventing drug use or
>> sex work. Nor are they preventing the increase in HIV infections from
>> increasing with young people 15-30years of age. Rather, the idea of "social
>> evils" is adding to the problem, and society cannot afford this approach any
>> longer. Second, politicians; decision makers could show by their own example
>> that there is nothing to fear from social contact with YPLWHA. Finally, the
>> active participation of young people living with HIV/AIDS in society as well
>> as in programmes to prevent HIV helps to reduce stigma and discrimination,
>> and to improve the effectiveness of programmes.
>>
>> Best,
>> Marco Gomes
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> --
>> Ukwo Joy Michael
>> Program Officer
>> InterGender Development Center
>> Area 11 #3 Osohgo close
>> 08053566658
>> michael...@aim.com
>>
>> >>
>
-----------------------+++---
Tsutomu Nemoto ねもとつとむ
Master Programme
Department of Community and Global Health
Graduate School of Medicine
The University of Tokyo
tsutomu...@gmail.com
Regional Focal Point for Asia and Pacific
Global Youth Coalition on HIV/AIDS (GYCA)
to...@youthaidscoalition.org
www.iAIDS.org | www.youthaidscoalition.org
Obinna Amalaha
Jun 12, 2009, 10:49:29 AM6/12/09
to byfecons...@googlegroups.com
Hi,
I am glad to see people's responses. We shall meet on August 7.
Amalaha, R. Obinna
--
OBYNO
moo hsoe
Jun 12, 2009, 11:24:27 AM6/12/09
to byfecons...@googlegroups.com
Hello everyone,
My name is Moo Moo Hsoe,24 years old , from Myanmar. I am currently working as a communication intern at World YWCA (Young Women Christian Association) based in Geneva which I have to moderate our young women forum on our priority areas on HIV and AIDS, SRHR and VAW.
Question 1:
I am not quite aware of policies and programme of national level concern about HIV and AIDS specifically for young people. However, according to Myanmar National Strategic Plan on HIV and AIDS Operational Plan (April 2006-March 2009), it is said that The National Strategic Plan recognizes 3 levels of risks and vulnerability:
• Key populations at highest risk and vulnerability in Myanmar include sex workers, clients of sex workers, drug users, men who have sex with men, and partners of people living with HIV. These populations are of primary concern as the extent and quality of support extended to facilitate their positive and sustained behaviour change are likely to be key determinants of the course of the HIV epidemics in Myanmar. Prevention focusing on these populations will be the utmost priority and will rely on, high-intensity, sustained and focused effective interventions.
• Populations vulnerable to risk of HIV infection – those who, for economic, social, cultural reasons are most likely to engage in risk-taking behaviours or be exposed to risk-generating situations risk in the near future. These populations include children and youth out of school, institutionalized populations, mobile populations and uniformed personnel, orphans and other vulnerable children.
• Populations at lower risk of HIV infection– people displaying lower incidence of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections, who do not engage in HIV-related risk behaviours and who are not exposed to risk-taking situations. These populations include women and men in stable, monogamous relationships, in-school children and youth who have not yet experienced sexual activity, and women, men, boys and girls who consistently practice effective HIV prevention behaviours.
Based on this consideration, the 13 Strategic Directions laid out in the National Strategic Plan. And strategic direction 8 is about Reduction HIV –related risk, vulnerability and impact among young people which is High Priority Prevention Programme. And it is written that Numerous programmes are currently working on youth programming, both in out-of-school and in-school contexts. This is a large population group, with widely
varying at-risk behaviour and vulnerabilities. Data is currently insufficient to map activities and coverage more precisely. There is not a specific national youth strategy currently defined, beyond that in the National Strategic Plan. With these limitations, scaling-up priorities will steer investments towards: i) ad-hoc scaling-up and expansion of existing out-of-school youth programmes, ii) national coverage of the in-school youth SHAPE life-skills programme, iii) improved national planning specifically targeted on youth.
In my country, there are several UN agencies, International and Local NGOs, which are responding on HIV and AIDS issues based on their capacities through projects.
Question 2:
We have several VCT centre for example in Mandalay General Hospital, a special pilot project for TB-HIV co-infected patients operates, where patients receive treatment for both diseases. Even though only patients living in the project areas are eligible for these services, there is still more demand than the pilot project can meet, showing the opportunity for future program growth. PSI/Myanmar launched four VCT Centers in Yangon and Mandalay in April 2005. Two centers offer both VCT and STI treatment (TOP centers), and two are stand-alone VCT (the Quality Control or QC franchise). And the services are usually affordable and accessible by marginalized young people but it is exclusive for those who live in the project area.
Question 3:
In Myanmar, there is still stigma and discrimination, which is not easy to address. Talking about sexuality is a taboo, especially for young woman. Negligence and discrimination in families, schools, jobs and society still exist. By tradition young people should listen to their elders and never talk back. Because of this, young people struggle to express themselves freely and when they do so, they are judged and considered rude, which makes them more vulnerable, especially if they live with HIV and AIDS. In my opinion, young people should be involved in decision-making processes both at a national and community level.
2009/6/12 tnemoto <tsutomu...@gmail.com>
tnemoto
Jun 13, 2009, 5:34:44 AM6/13/09
to byfecons...@googlegroups.com
Dear all
Hello, This is Toma again, I just repost this answer again together
with all of the answers.
I just forwarded 3 proposed questions (with Japanese translation) and
Some of youth with
interest answered me in Japanese. What back-translated and summarized is below.
Please enjoy answers from Japanese Youth.
Best regards,
Toma
Answer 3．
There is some kind of discrimination existed (though not
evidence-based but we find some blog entries in Japanese);
- Blood tainted HIV infection = good HIV, Sexually transmitted HIV
infection= bad HIV
- AIDS is the only problem for Gay/MSM people
What has to be done?
- School curriculum based-education for minimum knowledge for STIs/HIV
and human diversity/dignity
- More educational opportunities at out-school facilities such as
youth support centres based on his/her interest or conprehension
level.
- More educational opportunities at workplace for better working
environment for PLHIV
- More HIV testing opportunities including physical accessibility and
awareness-rising for mass-population
(HIV is often talked about as "a disease-in-Africa" (though this is a
bit extreme example) or something like that.)
- Media advocacy; data interpertation.
A voice from Youth---
1.
The words "STIs" and "HIV testing" is that you were seen that you did
such things. One of our youth activist was told by her parents that
"you were concern about that? (unless you keep avoiding sex, you do
not have to worry about it)" In Japan, having multiple sex partners or
having a casual sex for one night is regarded as "bad". That reminds
people of abortion and getting infected with STIs, causing stigma and
discrimination towards HIV itself. Providing correct information
including this happens to everybody not to specific populations, off
course the number of STIs infections and unexpected pregnancy will be
decreased.
Before talking about policy-making, we are able to do a lot of things
including making this kind of sexuality talks open to everybody. This
will make discrimination and stigma relinquish.
2.
Invisible gay youth;
In a community, youth themselves should be diverse, but gay people
or/and people living with HIV can clearly recognized at a glance.
Therefore the "being invisible" cause stigma and discrimination. As
far as I am concerned, although there is possibility to be stigmatized
or descriminated, once I come out (that I am gay), people smoothly
accept my sexuality. We need to create an environment that those who
have possibility to be socially marginalized have their confidence
and/or that we can be open to talk about our sexuality with
confidence.
2009/6/13 moo hsoe <moomo...@gmail.com>:
Hello, This is Toma again, I just repost this answer again together
with all of the answers.
I just forwarded 3 proposed questions (with Japanese translation) and
Some of youth with
interest answered me in Japanese. What back-translated and summarized is below.
Please enjoy answers from Japanese Youth.
Best regards,
Toma
There is some kind of discrimination existed (though not
evidence-based but we find some blog entries in Japanese);
- Blood tainted HIV infection = good HIV, Sexually transmitted HIV
infection= bad HIV
- AIDS is the only problem for Gay/MSM people
What has to be done?
- School curriculum based-education for minimum knowledge for STIs/HIV
and human diversity/dignity
- More educational opportunities at out-school facilities such as
youth support centres based on his/her interest or conprehension
level.
- More educational opportunities at workplace for better working
environment for PLHIV
- More HIV testing opportunities including physical accessibility and
awareness-rising for mass-population
(HIV is often talked about as "a disease-in-Africa" (though this is a
bit extreme example) or something like that.)
- Media advocacy; data interpertation.
A voice from Youth---
1.
The words "STIs" and "HIV testing" is that you were seen that you did
such things. One of our youth activist was told by her parents that
"you were concern about that? (unless you keep avoiding sex, you do
not have to worry about it)" In Japan, having multiple sex partners or
having a casual sex for one night is regarded as "bad". That reminds
people of abortion and getting infected with STIs, causing stigma and
discrimination towards HIV itself. Providing correct information
including this happens to everybody not to specific populations, off
course the number of STIs infections and unexpected pregnancy will be
decreased.
Before talking about policy-making, we are able to do a lot of things
including making this kind of sexuality talks open to everybody. This
will make discrimination and stigma relinquish.
2.
Invisible gay youth;
In a community, youth themselves should be diverse, but gay people
or/and people living with HIV can clearly recognized at a glance.
Therefore the "being invisible" cause stigma and discrimination. As
far as I am concerned, although there is possibility to be stigmatized
or descriminated, once I come out (that I am gay), people smoothly
accept my sexuality. We need to create an environment that those who
have possibility to be socially marginalized have their confidence
and/or that we can be open to talk about our sexuality with
confidence.
2009/6/13 moo hsoe <moomo...@gmail.com>:
> Hello everyone,
>
>
>
> My name is Moo Moo Hsoe,24 years old , from Myanmar. I am currently working
> as a communication intern at World YWCA (Young Women Christian Association)
> based in Geneva which I have to moderate our young women forum on our
> priority areas on HIV and AIDS, SRHR and VAW.
>
>
>
> Question 1:
>
>
>
> I am not quite aware of policies and programme of national level concern
> about HIV and AIDS specifically for young people. However, according to
> Myanmar National Strategic Plan on HIV and AIDS Operational Plan (April
> 2006-March 2009), it is said that The National Strategic Plan recognizes 3
> levels of risks and vulnerability:
>
> * Key populations at highest risk and vulnerability in Myanmar include sex
>
>
>
> My name is Moo Moo Hsoe,24 years old , from Myanmar. I am currently working
> as a communication intern at World YWCA (Young Women Christian Association)
> based in Geneva which I have to moderate our young women forum on our
> priority areas on HIV and AIDS, SRHR and VAW.
>
>
>
> Question 1:
>
>
>
> I am not quite aware of policies and programme of national level concern
> about HIV and AIDS specifically for young people. However, according to
> Myanmar National Strategic Plan on HIV and AIDS Operational Plan (April
> 2006-March 2009), it is said that The National Strategic Plan recognizes 3
> levels of risks and vulnerability:
>
> workers, clients of sex workers, drug users, men who have sex with men, and
> partners of people living with HIV. These populations are of primary concern
> as the extent and quality of support extended to facilitate their positive
> and sustained behaviour change are likely to be key determinants of the
> course of the HIV epidemics in Myanmar. Prevention focusing on these
> populations will be the utmost priority and will rely on, high-intensity,
> sustained and focused effective interventions.
>
> * Populations vulnerable to risk of HIV infection - those who, for economic,
> partners of people living with HIV. These populations are of primary concern
> as the extent and quality of support extended to facilitate their positive
> and sustained behaviour change are likely to be key determinants of the
> course of the HIV epidemics in Myanmar. Prevention focusing on these
> populations will be the utmost priority and will rely on, high-intensity,
> sustained and focused effective interventions.
>
> social, cultural reasons are most likely to engage in risk-taking behaviours
> or be exposed to risk-generating situations risk in the near future. These
> populations include children and youth out of school, institutionalized
> populations, mobile populations and uniformed personnel, orphans and other
> vulnerable children.
>
> * Populations at lower risk of HIV infection- people displaying lower
> or be exposed to risk-generating situations risk in the near future. These
> populations include children and youth out of school, institutionalized
> populations, mobile populations and uniformed personnel, orphans and other
> vulnerable children.
>
> incidence of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections, who do not
> engage in HIV-related risk behaviours and who are not exposed to risk-taking
> situations. These populations include women and men in stable, monogamous
> relationships, in-school children and youth who have not yet experienced
> sexual activity, and women, men, boys and girls who consistently practice
> effective HIV prevention behaviours.
>
> Based on this consideration, the 13 Strategic Directions laid out in the
> National Strategic Plan. And strategic direction 8 is about Reduction HIV
> -related risk, vulnerability and impact among young people which is High
> engage in HIV-related risk behaviours and who are not exposed to risk-taking
> situations. These populations include women and men in stable, monogamous
> relationships, in-school children and youth who have not yet experienced
> sexual activity, and women, men, boys and girls who consistently practice
> effective HIV prevention behaviours.
>
> Based on this consideration, the 13 Strategic Directions laid out in the
> National Strategic Plan. And strategic direction 8 is about Reduction HIV
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