Our risk reduction program provides intensive counseling and health education to HIV positive individuals, couples and families.
Staffed by counselors trained in harm reduction and behavioral change, the program uses the CDC's Healthy Relationships curriculm adapted to meet the cultural needs of African participants.
Individual and group-level health education sessions address the
basics of HIV transmission and infection, the connection between HIV
and other infections such as a TB, nutrition and treatment adherence.
Counseling sessions focus on partner notification, domestic violence
prevention, enabling safer sex, dealing with depression, confronting
stigma and discrimination, and facilitating disclosure. A weekly
support group specifically for women enables them to share experiences
and support with their peers as they build the skills necessary for
living well with HIV.
Since 2001, more than 150 people have participated in African
Services' risk reduction program. Initial data shows its impact on
behavior change: 78 percent of participants increased their knowledge
of HIV, 70 percent improved their attitude toward condom use, and 92
percent maintained or improved treatment adherence.
