China
The China of today is a complex mix of wealth and poverty, modernity and tradition.
Last year, the world’s most populous nation has assumed an even more prominent position on the world stage; by hosting the 2008 Olympics in Beijing where it welcomed an unprecedented influx of international visitors.
The changes that are occurring in China are evident at all levels. The increasingly urban landscape, massive internal migration to the cities and a population that increases by 10 million people a year are three trends that present particular challenges for sexual and reproductive health - challenges that Marie Stopes International China (MSIC) is addressing head-on through their innovative programs.
In 2008 the milestones for the program in China were:
- Providing HIV awareness training for 7,500 Beijing Olympic Volunteers
- Technical support, training and advice for the Jiangsu Provincial Family Planning Project
- Expansion of the ‘Positive Talks’ project
Marie Stopes International China (MSIC) has developed a reputation for delivering innovative and highly successful sexual and reproductive health programs and services specifically for young and unmarried people. In 2008, MSIC expanded its You & Me network of youth friendly centres and also began to address the tough issue of stigma and discrimination regarding HIV with its “Positive Talks” project.
The aim of “Positive Talks” is to humanise the face of HIV/AIDS by giving positive people an opportunity to participate more meaningfully in the response to the HIVepidemic. “Positive speakers” are trained to speak publicly at awareness raising events and engage in advocacy activities. Today, these volunteers cover 20 provinces, municipalities and autonomous regions in China. They have directly reached 220,000 people including traditional government and international organisations as well as new players such as the media and private sector.
The Beijing Olympics presented an enormous opportunity for the volunteers. In the lead up to the Games, HIV awareness training was delivered to the 7,500 Beijing Olympics volunteers. ”Positive Talks” has developed significant momentum and 2009 is expected to be a significant year in its expanded reach.
In addition to tackling stigma and discrimination around HIV, the MSIC team has been addressing the vital element of the epidemic – prevention – through its Baolong Highway construction project located in Yunnan Province.
The large infrastructure project typically required 15,000-20,000 mostly migrant workers at the worksite everyday. Away from home, their social and sexual behaviours changed, making them more vulnerable to HIV. The project aims to improve their HIV knowledge and ensure safer sexual behaviour, as well as promoting health services for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and voluntary counselling and testing for HIV. Peer educators played a vital role in raising awareness and encouraging behaviour change.
Looking Forward
Two new You & Me centres are to be opened for the continuation of sexual and reproductive health services aiming to reach adolescents and unmarried youth