Sex/health education as a means to prevent HIV/AIDS infection among street kids in Cote D'Ivoire

Objectives: HIV/AIDS in Cote d’Ivoire is considered a major public health issue with the creation of a Ministry dedicated to tackle the disease. People aged 15 to 49 years old living with HIV/AIDS. Street kids are a vulnerable group, yet no program has been implemented to raise their knowledge of HIV. A survey showed that they still have misconception on HIV transmission and prevention methods. Therefore, a program based on behavior modification has been implemented. Method: This project involved 15 street children aged 14 to 19 years old with the goal of sexual behavior modification. Based on focus group and psychosociological techniques (person-centered therapy), the program was made up of two sessions. The first was a questionnaire filled by each participant about his sexual habit, knowledge of STDs and HIV/AIDS. The 2nd session consisted of group discussions and role play about STDs, HIV/AIDS transmission, prevention methods, at risk behaviors, and condom use. The implementation lasted three (3) months and half with a meeting every week. Result: We noted an important improvement in these kids knowledge related to HIV. A dramatic change in these children sexual behavior was also noted: 11 abstain while 4 are using condoms in a regular basis. Conclusion: Street kids are neglected in current HIV prevention campaigns. Sex/health education methods can be helpful in preventing HIV/AIDS among street kids and other vulnerable groups. The fifteen street children are all actually serving as peer educators in their suburb.