Youth-Targeted HIV-Infection Prevention Model

An experimental youth-targeted model for HIV-infection prevention was launched as part of the best-practices recommended by the European Centre for Disease Control (ECDC). The project’s main goals were the following:

• investigate factors that limit access to social and health services for HIV testing
• implement and monitor studies on at-risk behaviours among vulnerable groups (youths)
• implement prevention actions based on peer-education models

This initiative refers to training and peer-education activities. 

Target: upper secondary school students
Products: health promotion campaign, training and peer-education activities in schools, paper, digital and multimedia materials 

Training and Peer-Education Activities in Schools
This educational programme (May - October 2013) was organized as a game to allow students to acquire information and life skills while engaging in ad-hoc exercises. A “script” linked them together defining the sequence according to which each exercise had to take place. Informal and formal contacts with the participating schools started in May 2013.  What follows is a list of the contacted schools:

• Carlo Cattaneo, Rome
• Leonardo Da Vinci, Fregene
• Savini, Rome
• Mameli, Rome
• Croce, Rome

The training course developed over three days and was presented as a game.
Each class was split up into two teams of which one played the character of “Paolo”, while the other played “Francesca”. Teams took turns performing a task that was chosen by the other team, trying to find answers/solutions and consulting among its own members. Each time a team completed a task correctly, it received bonus points. For some tasks, if a team was unable to  come up with a solution within a set amount of time, that specific task was passed on to the opposite team. On day 3, the final goal was revealed: enabling Paolo and Francesca to be together safely.
ISS researchers are available to present this initiative in schools. 

Leaflets, Digital and Multimedia Material
Informative leaflets on the prevention and transmission mechanisms of HIV and other STIs were published between May and October 2013. Leaflets and CDs were used by more than 600 students and are still available. 
ISS researchers are available to give presentations on this initiative in schools. 

Organization of Reference: National Centre Afor HIV/AIDS Research
Contact Person: Barbara Ensoli