Spreading HIV/AIDS Awareness Among High Risk Groups In Tamil Nadu
There are over four million (5.1 million as of 2005) cases of HIV infections in India. The AIDS Prevention and Control Project (APAC) funded by USAID introduces HIV-preventive behavior among high risk groups (such as sex workers, truck drivers, tourists and slum dwellers) and promotes condom use and safe behavior among these groups.

Varalakshmi, a young sex worker in Chennai, entered the profession when she was abandoned by her husband. Earning a mere $ 25 to $ 30 a month, she has to take care of her rent and meals. Earlier, she would contract STD infections, as many of her clients refused to wear condoms. She said: "I was helpless when they got drunk and refused to use condoms. But these days, I select my clients carefully. My hospital friends have taught me how to be careful." The APAC field workers who counsel her to always negotiate for condom use, are the hospital friends she refers to. For the first time in her life, Varalakshmi feels she can make a conscious decision to protect herself.

As a result of APAC, condom usage among sex workers increased from 56 percent in 1996 to 88 percent in 2002. More than 3,000 doctors were trained and over 100,000 STD patients treated. Technical help to condom manufacturers to meet WHO standards has improved both their quality and demand.

Date: 2003