Partners for Positive Action: Social Mobilization for HIV/AIDS Prevention, Care & Support

摘要

HIV/AIDS is a disease without a cure. It is a devastating illness that kills millions of people every year. While the physical and psychological impact on individuals is devastating, the social consequences are also enormous. In the next ten years the world may see 40 million orphans as a result of parents dying from the disease. In Nepal, HIV/AIDS has reached the concentrated epidemic stage, and according to experts in the field, the country is extremely vulnerable to the rapid spread of the disease. The prevalence is difficult to measure and the actual numbers affected by the disease may never be known. HIV/AIDS is a disease that can be prevented, but the numbers of those infected are increasing. In the past we have seen social marketing, and other individual behavior change interventions used to bring about significant changes on other health issues. However, the complexity of the disease, the need for widespread changes in individual behavior (for prevention of HIV/AIDS and for acceptance and support of those living with it) and the need to build political and social will (to bring about changes in policies, practices, and services) require coordinated, broad-based action. Social mobilization is an approach that acknowledges the need to build recognition of and response to the issue at multiple levels, galvanizing support from the community to policy levels.