IOM, MoH continue informational campaign among migrant workers

DUSHANBE, January 5, 2012, Asia-Plus -- Within the second phase of the 8th round of the Global Fund against AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, IOM jointly with UNDP and Ministry of Health (MoH) of Tajikistan will continue informational campaign among migrant workers and their families in the following 35 towns and districts of Tajikistan: Dushanbe, Hisor, Nourobod, Vahdat, Tursunzoda, Fayzobod, Rasht, Yovon, Panj, Qumsangir, Khujand, Asht, Ayni, Konibodom, Bobojonghafurov, Panjakent, Ghonchi, Vose, Shouroobod, Jaloliddin Rumi, Vakhsh, Muminobod, Kulob, Khorog, Ishkashim, Jabborrasoulov, Chkalovsk, Farkhor, Qubodiyon, Jilikul, Jomi, Khuroson, Rushan, Darvoz, Tojikobod.

The project, HIV Prevention Among Migrant Workers and Their Families Through Informational Campaign and Improving Access to Migrants Friendly Services in Tajikistan, aims to improve the awareness of migrant workers on sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV prevention, reduce risky sexual behavior, and improve access to migrant friendly services.

Within the framework of the project, migrant workers will receive information on health upon departure and return to Tajikistan.  Outreach workers will actively refer migrants and their family members to the friendly points for migrants established by the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Tajikistan for STIs examination, voluntary consultations, and HIV testing.

Identified STI cases will receive syndrome treatment for STIs at no cost. In the case of HIV cases, migrants will be referred to the AIDS Control Centers under the Ministry of Health and receive antiretroviral therapy at no cost; the cost will be absorbed by the Global Fund against AIDS, TB and Malaria.  In addition to medical services, this referral system will be established with organizations that provide legal and social support as well.

From January 2012 to March 2013, the project aims to reach 475,000 migrant workers and their families through prevention campaigns, distribute 1 million brochures and condoms with the assistance of 600 volunteers, and solicit the cooperation of more than 200 outreach workers and community leaders.