What is Red Ribbon?

  • A global symbol created in1991 in New York.
  • Solidarity with people living with HIV and AIDS & aimed at uniting the people in the common fight against the disease.

HIV/AIDS Youth Scenario

  • 10 Million youth (aged 15-24) worldwide are living with HIV.
  • New Infections / day: 6,000 youths
  • In India: 15-29 years aged people- 31% of the AIDS burden.
  • In view of this, MOHFW, Govt. of India has proposed to establish a network with Universities and educational institutions.
  • In Delhi (ICTC data): prevalence of HIV Infection in 15-25 years age group is 1.94%.

 
Rationale behind focusing Youth

  • Sexual curiosity and risky behavior.
  • Limited access to correct information.
  • Formal Education Institute are generally silent on psycho-social aspects of physical growth and sexuality leading to mystification and secrecy around sex.
  • The epidemic among the youth remains largely invisible.
  • The youth are economically dependent and socially inexperienced and generally have less access to health care than adults.
  • Youth are the potential change agents who can protect themselves from the lurking of AIDS as well as be ambassadors in the fight against HIV & AIDS in particular.

 
Role of the Red Ribbon Club

  • Educate youth with correct, concise and adequate information and heighten their level of awareness about HIV/AIDS/STI/sexuality and other related issues (thus eliminate myths and misconceptions).
  • Enable youth, especially the female students, to identify and understand situations of exploitation and abuse.
  • Sensitize the youth regarding care and support needs of PLWHA and instill in them the spirit of helping and supporting the people living with HIV & AIDS (PLWHA) and reduce the stigma and discrimination against them.
  • Increase youths’ access to health care services related to STI / HIV/AIDS/drug use.
  • Create linkages between youth and governmental, non - governmental agencies and CBOs to access safer and responsible healthy behavior.
  • Organize and facilitate voluntary blood donation camps and mobilize the youth for voluntary blood donation.
  • Create among the youth a cadre of peer educators for seeking and encouraging positive health behavior as well as ensuring sustainability of the club.

 
Key Areas of RRC

  • Vibrancy of Youth: Tap the vibrancy of Youth and channelizing the energy of the youth in a positive direction.
  • Sex & Sexuality, HIV/AIDS & STI: Provide access to correct information on sexuality, HIV/AIDS, STI and other youth related issues in an enabling environment to promote healthy life styles.
  • Peer Education: Develop a cadre of Peer Educators among youth.
  • Voluntary Blood Donation: Promote voluntary non-remunerated blood donation.
     

Coverage of the Scheme

  • Targets youths in group 5-29 years.
  • Cover all educational institutions like Universities, Colleges, Polytechnics and institutions.
  • Priority in the North, North-East, East and central Districts of Delhi.

 
Outcomes of the programme

  • Number of youths aware of at least 3 correct modes of transmission and know at least 2 correct modes of HIV/AIDS prevention.
  • Number of PLWHAs involved in the programme to reduce stigma and discrimination.
  • Numbers of RRCs established.
  • Number of Peer educators trained.
  • Number of other youths sensitized by peer educators regarding HIV/AIDS.
  • Number of units of blood collected through voluntary blood donation.

 

GKC-Red Ribbon Club

The Red Ribbon Club (RRC) was instituted in 2006 in cooperation with Mizoram State AIDS Control Society (MSACS), Aizawl, with a view to promoting awareness against HIV/AIDS.


Nodal Oficer:  Mrs Thuamliani Renthlei