Rahnuma-FPAP | Rahnuma Family Planning Association of Pakistan

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Rahnuma-FPAP in collaboration with UNFPA conducted a study on Child Marriage “Child Marriage in Pakistan: A Taboo” in 2007 which revealed worrying statistics on the issue as it is not just a problem of remote areas of Pakistan, but is widely prevalent, affecting over a third of Pakistan’s adolescents, and continuing in a vicious cycle to affect their children. The report explained that Sindh carried the highest percentage of early marriages in rural areas, with 72% of females and 26% of males in the selected sample, married before 20. Sindh also had a high percentage of females in urban areas married by 20, reaching 36%. Balochistan closely followed Sindh in terms of early rural marriages. Another desk review on the situation of Child Marriage “Child Marriage in Pakistan: A situational Analysis on the Basis of Desk Review” was conducted by Rahnuma-FPAP in 2011. The review suggested that many factors interact to place a child at risk of marriage including poverty, protection of girls, family honour and the provision of stability during unstable social periods. Strong correlations were found between a woman’s age at marriage and the level of education she achieves and the age at which she gives birth to her first child and the age of her husband have been found.

The findings of these reports contributed in understanding the issue of Child Marriage in Pakistan as the reports clearly articulated the major contributing factors and consequences of Child Marriage and further highlighted the intensity of the issue in the country. Based on these findings, Rahnuma-FPAP initiated several interventions to prevent the Child Marriage in Pakistan through legislative reforms in the existing laws (in context of UNCRC) to make them more responsive and for their enhanced implementation. Community mobilization initiatives were also initiated to create awareness among local communities on hazardous effects of Child Marriage. Brief detail of some of the initiatives is as follows;

Rahnuma-FPAP implemented Project, “Women as Compensation: Reaching the Survivors of Coerced Marriages and Violence in Pakistan.” It was consistent with Rahnuma-FPAP and IPPF’s commitment to ensuring protection and promotion of sexual and reproductive health and rights and other national and international obligations. The Project was specifically geared towards protecting victims of gender based violence in general and swara girls and women in particular. The Project has reached more than 40,000 community members, including youth, women and men in selected 15 Union Councils each in Districts Swabi and Mardan. The interventions included different orientation and sensitization activities aimed at facilitating changes in community perceptions of swara and GBV, generating support for SRHR, increased access to SRHR services to swara girls/women including their families and contributing towards increased knowledge on Islamic teachings relating to SRHR and swara. The beneficiaries targeted under different sensitization interventions include community men and women, youth, jirga members, religious leaders and others.

The intervention was initiated with the financial support of AusAID to bring legislative reforms on Child Marriage in Pakistan. Through the intervention, commitments were solicited from government and policymakers for addressing the issue and revising Child Marriage Restraint Act (CMRA), 1929 in context of UNCRC. Interactive dialogues on Child Marriage with policymakers, federal and provincial parliamentarians, civil society members and representatives of different ministries were conducted. Further, a National Alliance comprising of 57 members representing 14 parliamentarians, 21 civil society organizations and 22 media houses committing to advocate against Child Marriage was developed. Consequently, a resolution for the revision of Child Marriage Restraint Act, 1929 was tabled in provincial assemblies of Punjab and Sindh. From the platform of MDG 5b and the National Alliance on Child Marriage, issue of Child Marriage was raised in Universal Periodic Review (UPR) and CPD 45th session. A short documentary was developed on the prevalence of child marriage titled “Sana’s journey”.

 

The intervention was initiated with the funding of Care International Pakistan in order to improve MNH and SRH Policy and Practice for Adolescent Girls and Young Mothers. Through this project, 2004 stakeholders on SRH & MNH issues and needs of Adolescent Girls and young Mothers were sensitized. A Working Groups of District Line Departments, a Media Network at Provincial and a National level Parliamentary Caucus were established. 42 Consultative workshops at National, Provincial and District Level were organized to draft a resolution which was tabled in three Provinces (KP, Punjab and Balochistan). In Punjab and Balochistan resolutions were marked to Provincial Standing Committees on Education and Health for further necessary actions. Furthermore, Executive District Officer Health Badin issued requisite directives to include the adolescent and youth in their respective target groups.
Funded through UN Women Slavery Fund, the intervention was aimed to provide the medial assistant in respect of primary and sexual and reproductive health care services to the most vulnerable and marginalized young girls became a victim of Swara (Minor girls given as compensation) and Child Marriage. It also aimed to provide the primary health care services to their children for their better health status. Through this intervention a total of 350 families and their 700 children were registered for the provision of health care services. In addition, through this intervention 451 Swara girls and Child Marriage survivors were reached out for health services. Through static clinics and mobile camps a total of 2241 primary health care services were provided to the registered and non-registered girls and 2287 services were provided to their children. Moreover, these girls and their families were sensitized on Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights. Through mobile camps and static clinics a total of 2421 family planning and 1555 reproductive health services were provided to these girls and survivors.
Choices project was initiated in August 2011-December 2014 with the funding of IPPF. Through this initiative, Rahnuma National Youth Network members were involved the in all its advocacy activities related to Child Marriage. Youth volunteers were also engaged as a part of national advocacy alliance against Child Marriage. Alliances and Networks at national and provincial were either developed or joined to augment the advocacy efforts on the issue in coordination with other partners. To control the incidents of Child Marriage in Pakistan, Rahnuma-FPAP focused its efforts at two levels i.e.Community sensitization and mobilization to reduce the incidents of CM and improved access to SRHR services by Child/early marriage survivors in targeted communities in Pakistan.Advocating to prioritize the issue at Policy and Program level and to create a conducive environment for its implementation.Meetings with religious scholars (Imam Masjids, Nikkah Khawan of Union Council, Aalims etc.) were organized to discuss the implications of child marriage since marriage is a religious obligation but the education and health is basic right of every child. Religious persons (Leaders from local Mosques) were asked to discuss these issues in Friday sermons and inform people about true Islamic perspective in this regard. The draft of the Child Marriage Bills for Punjab, Sindh, KP, Balochistan and AJK were developed and technical input was provided in consultation with all major stakeholders from concerned provinces. The draft bills were shared with the parliamentarians and technical support were provided to them to expedite the process in their respective provinces.
PCMI project was started with an aim to delay and ultimately prevent Child Marriages in three districts of Southern Punjab. The main objectives of the project were to facilitate attitudinal and behavioural change towards Child Marriage through community and other stakeholder’s awareness and to advocate for bringing about legislative reforms on the issue. Major highlights of the project progress are as follows;
  • 20,000 young people and community influential were sensitized on adverse effects of Child marriage. o Approximately 500,00 beneficiaries benefited through SMS/FM Radio messages.
  • Efforts were made with partners and networks results into generating a debate at policy level and resultantly, the Punjab assembly passed the “Punjab Child Marriage Restraint (Amendment) Act, 2015” in March 2015.
  • Organized a provincial level meeting with important stakeholders and developed a joint statement of demonstration to register their concerns on new act.
  • A meeting with parliamentarians was organized and a resolution was developed and signed by all the parliamentarians for the revision in the amended law (same resolution was tabled in Punjab Assembly in May, 2015).
  • A national level meeting of Parliamentarians Caucus on Child Marriage was conducted in Islamabad where the parliamentarians from all regions made commitments to follow the initiatives of the Sindh Assembly on Child Marriage in their respective regions.
  • A Provincial level media workshop was also organized to augment the media reporting on child centered issues and to engage the media for lobbying against Child Marriage.
Based on the organizational successful experience on Child Marriage, another project with Oxfam-Novib was initiated in September, 2015 with a special focus on Child Marriage. The aim of the project was to increase persistence among youth, caretakers and gatekeepers to respond effectively for the prevention, referral and rehabilitation of the victims/cases of early marriages. The advocacy component of the project is initiated in all four regions of Pakistan while the community level interventions are initiated in two districts of Pakistan including Multan and Rawalpindi. The project will increase knowledge and awareness of young people and caretaker/ gatekeepers on prevention, referral and rehabilitation of victim of child marriages. It will further enhanced skills of duty bearers/gatekeepers to prevent incidence of child marriage through enforcing rule of law. Lobbying with like- minded religious leaders will also be conducted to ensure prevention of early marriage.Resources Developed on Child Marriage Developed Advocacy, Communication and Mobilization strategy in PCMI project. Developed Media kits on Child Marriage in English and Urdu. Posters/Brochures on importance of education, health and child rights in relation with Child Marriage were developed. Video Documentaries/Docudrama on Child Marriage, Radio/Cable Messages including Sana’s Journey and Noori goes Missing were developed and disseminated. Sindh Assembly passed the Sindh Child Marriages Restraint Act, 2013 which placed a ban on marriage of children under 18 years and its violation is punishable by three years of imprisonment. In March 2015 Punjab Assembly passed an amended bill “The Punjab Child Marriage Restraint (Amendment) Act, 2015 and made the law more punitive. However, the age issue of girls went unaddressed. Deputy Speaker AJ&K Assembly has also directed the Department of Law & Parliamentarians Affairs to incorporate proper amendments in existing child marriages laws. Provincial Assemblies of Balochistan and KPK has also initiated the process for reforms in existing laws on child marriage.

Life Skills Based Education (LSBE) is a new concept in Pakistan which is ignored at all government levels. Current national and provincial policies and strategic documents do not adequately address the subject. Although the education system in Pakistan includes population, family planning and reproductive biology modules, there exists no formal curriculum for LSBE because it is still considered as a taboo subject. One of the objectives of adolescent strategic framework of Rahnuma-FPAP is to advocate for the inclusion of LSBE in the secondary education curriculum. In an extremely conservative setting of Pakistan, inclusion of LSBE in the official curriculum of schools requires massive advocacy efforts. This process is proving to be long and cumbersome. In order to address the issue and create conducive environment, a holistic approach is adopted towards awareness and advocacy. Rahnuma- FPAP is also working with other civil society organizations as a taskforce for the LSBE advocacy. Rahnuma-FPAP has joined hands with likeminded organizations to develop a National Alliance and raise collective voices for LSBE. Rahnuma-FPAP is working with Rozan, Rutgers WPF, UNFPA, Oxfam-Novib, Plan International Pakistan and Aahung as a task force. This taskforce has developed the Life Skills Based Education framework for Pakistan.

Rahnuma-FPAP is working with both in school and out of school adolescents and young people. Rahnuma-FPAP works with peer educators, communities, schools, parents, teachers and religious scholars and policy makers. Rahnuma-FPAP is applying the following strategies to implement LSBE in school and out of school.

Life Skills Based Education implementation Strategy
Training of Peer educators on LSBE at Community level
Peer education sessions on LSBE in school and with out of school Adolescents and young people at Youth Resource Centers and Schools.
Training of youth on performing theatre on LSBE related topics
LSBE Theater performances conducted by trained youth in the marginalized communities
Capacity building of staff
Teacher training on LSBE at School
Training for partners on LSBE.
Training of Young leaders & Advocates on LSBE & interactive dailgue with policy makers, Government & civil society members
Resources Developed on Life Skills Based Education:
Gender segregated peer educators tool kits on LSBE in Urdu.
Training manual for peer educators on LSBE.
Pictorial booklets and leaflets on LSBE.
Handbooks for in school youth on LSBE (Boys, secondary school).
Handbooks for in school youth on LSBE (Girls, secondary school).
A teacher training manual based on LSBE.
Short docudramas on LSBE (Fighting Evil, Growing Up, Heaven, Kacha Phal and Red Ink) were developed.

Developed various assessment tools to increase the information level among young people on Life Skills Based Education.
Rahnuma-FPAP has successfully implemented LSBE program in various districts across Pakistan including Lahore, Faisalabad, Chakwal, Vehari, Muzaffarghar, Quetta, Turbat, Karachi, Badin, Peshwar, Mardan, Kohat, Haripur, Muzaffarabad and Gilgit Baltistan. The main purpose of this program is to reach out to adolescents and young people and to equip them with the knowledge and skills which can help them to live a safe and confident life. During this initiative, special attention has been given to the fact that a major number of adolescents and young people are out of school in Pakistan. The initiative provides models for both in school and out of school students. Rahnuma-FPAP is also collaborating with the government departments to make LSBE an integral part of mainstream curriculum. During the year 2016 following were the achievement through the LSBE efforts of Rahnuma-FPAP.

Population welfare department of Punjab Governement adapted the curriculum on LSBE developed by Rahnuma-FPAP and its alliances.

Rahnuma-FPAP engaged the Institute of Social Sciences (ISS) to conduct a research study to identify different kinds of sources of SRH information available to Persons With Disabilities (PWDs), identify assistance required and services available to and attained by PWDs to fulfil their SRH needs, and document perceptions, practices and attitudes of service providers, parents or immediate care takers and PWDs themselves, which make them more vulnerable for access to SRH information and services.The study involved in-depth interviews and focus group discussions with a wide range of stakeholders involved with the rehabilitation and welfare of PWDs, including PWDs themselves, their parents, staff of institutions involved in the education and care of PWDs, SRH and public health experts, physicians, government officials, and disability experts and advocates, assessment of the existing attitudes of service providers regarding PWDs using an attitude scale, and semi-structured interviews of 104 PWDs. A Reference Group consisting of key stakeholders reviewed and made inputs into the research design and instruments, as well as the study report, and participated in the dissemination meeting of the report. The key findings of the study are summarized below.There is a huge gap between the needs of PWDs for SRH information, counselling and services and the availability of the same to PWDs, both in mainstream institutions like hospitals, as well as institutions dedicated to PWDs. The study identified many myths, misconceptions and unscientific thinking regarding SRH, disability and PWDs (e.g. many PWDs attributed the infertility of a couple, the birth of a disabled child, the determination of the sex of a child, or a person becoming disabled due to God’s will), and most PWDs and their teachers declared masturbation sinful and harmful to health. However, about one-fourth of PWDs, mostly young, provided scientific explanations for most of these SRH myths.Many staff members of special education had stereotypes of PWDs (e.g. stubborn, argumentative; prefer to interact with/marry persons of their own disability, do not share SRH matters with families). One reason for these stereotypes may be a lack of intimacy between the staff and students of special education institutions. This is also evident in the disciplinary approach adopted by many staff members towards PWDs (separate boys and girls, do not let them be alone, always keep an eye on them, keep them busy, punish them for misbehaviour, etc.), focusing not on the SRH problems faced by PWDs, but the problems faced by staff in dealing with the SRH issues of PWDs.There was considerable sharing regarding SRH matters between students with disabilities and their family members, as well as their friends and acquaintances (though the latter is considered an unreliable source by many PWDs). The incorrect idea that PWDs do not share SRH matters with family members may be based on the fact that this is more likely to be true of non-disabled children, who are much more independent, and have far greater access to persons outside the family than PWDs. Since most PWDs are greatly dependent on their families, it can be expected that they share SRH matters with them much more frequently than non-disabled persons.The data clearly shows that sexual harassment takes place where PWDs live and/or study, that there is a definite increase in the reporting of harassment of PWDs in institutions during the last year, and most cases are dealt with by the staff of the concerned institutions without informing or involving high ups. At the same time we find that most staff members tend to deny the presence of harassment in their own institutions. There is limited awareness of the law regarding sexual harassment, and is limited to punishment for the harasser, without any knowledge for the need for a committee to deal with complaints. There is also a tendency to focus on the victim of harassment but not the perpetrator.On the whole one finds the prevalence of an exclusive approach regarding PWDs. Most service providers and staff talk about separate facilities for PWDs regarding SRH and other services. There is considerable talk of fixing the impairments and disabilities of PWDs, but little talk of fixing the society which is responsible for impairments and disabilities turning into handicaps, mainstreaming PWDs, or focusing on their constitutional rights.What is heartening to see however, perhaps for the first time in Pakistan, is the growing voice of PWDs themselves, which is both challenging and influencing decision makers at the highest levels, and bringing the discussion on inclusiveness and rights at the center stage of the debate. This is of course timely, since a number of policies and bills regarding PWDs are in the process of being finalized.It is obvious from the findings and conclusions of the study that improving the situation of SRHR of PWDs in Pakistan will require a massive, concerted and long-term effort of all key stakeholders. The present study is only a small beginning, and highlights some of the key issues involved. In order to move forward certain short, medium and long term measures are recommended.
Rahnuma-FPAP reached to the most marginalized and vulnerable sections of society through different innovative programme interventions. Urban prostitution and sex related work is common at some selected places like markets, auto mobile shops, bus stands, goods transport workshops etc. and people working in this sectors are usually an easy target of sexually transmitted disease due to their lack of knowledge. We specifically through an innovative project targeted workers related to transport sector including minors, transgender/hijras, waiters and massagers to provide them orientation on how to protect them selves from unsafe sexual behavior and safe sex practices thereby reducing their risk to HIV&AIDS and other sex related infections.Through this specific project, a highly populated and busy area of Badami Bagh, Lahore (which host bus stands, auto mobile shops, hotels, goods transport workshops etc.) a mapping exercise was conducted to collect the information regarding truck companies working in the area and their staff, drivers, cleaners, hotels, health service outlets, schools and medical and general stores, the detail is given below:The second phase was to engage all stakeholders including religious leaders, prayer leaders, public sector officials from relevant ministries, representatives of various segments of transport sector trade unions (truck drivers, managers of truck companies, lady health workers, massagers, female sex workers and hijras).This stakeholders specifically from Badami Bagh, Lahore were also included project coordinating committee to supervise the project. The meetings of coordinating committee were regularly held to engage them actively for the project deliverables.Through this project more than two hundred local champions/peer educators were engaged and trained from local communities diverse groups involving heterosexuality and homosexuality, prevalent among the truckers. They were provided with IEC material and involved in awareness and referral for diagnostic purposes. Keeping in view the action plan, more than two hundred local stakeholders including religious & prayer leaders, health functionaries, officials of law enforcement agencies, officials of local government were provided comprehensive orientation regarding HIV&AIDS, its mode of spread and prevention from HIV&AIDS.These orientations and subsequent capacity building initiatives have enabled them in dissemination of the information during their routine activities among peers, general public, friends and relatives.Though it appeared very difficult in the beginning to approach truck drivers and associated population for their orientation/training on HIV/AIDS, yet Rahnuma-FPAP succeeded with the efforts of staff and truck drivers union and some of local influentials to arrange their training and to convince them that this is beneficial for them and for their families. Through these orientation sessions 200 truckers and associated population were provided training and most of them were motivated how to protect themselves from HIV/AIDS by avoiding unsafe sex. Participants of these training were motivated and encouraged to disseminate HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment information to others.Through this project 55 Community Based Distributors (CBDs) were identified and provided orientation on HIV&AIDS. These capacity building initiatives enabled them to effectively sensitize their clients on HIV&AIDS related preventative measures and post effect solutions. These CBDs includes local shopkeepers/street hawkers- grocery shop owners, medical stores, barber’s shops, tea shops. The supply of contraceptives were regularly replenished by dedicated field staff.SHEED a local NGO working for the sex workers in Badami Bagh, Lahore truck terminal. We approached this NGO and held regular meetings with them on HIV&AIDS and STIs especially for sex workers. On the basis of these orientation meetings, more than 40 LHVs and TBAs were trained on HIV&AIDS, STIs and family planning. Now this NGO is effectively creating awareness on HIV&AIDS, unsafe sex among sex workers and general public in the area through their static clinics and TBAs. Rahnuma-FPAP also provided refresher training to their paramedic staff and also provide supply of contraceptives including condoms.There are four LHV based clinics in truck terminal Badami Bagh, Lahore. All the LHVs were provided orientation on reproductive health, HIV&AIDS infection prevention, sterilization of medical equipments. They were also provided IEC material on HIV&AIDS and contraceptive supplies to effectively target beneficiaries. These initiatives were instrumental in providing treatment of general ailments, HIV&AIDS and other related complications. The sex workers were mostly from these areas who were provided regular information on HIV&AIDS and motivation for the use of condoms. There are three Traditional Healers clinics opened in the daytime. They were also approached and provided orientation on HIV&AIDS. They are also enrolled as CBD agents to distribute condoms and provide information about AIDS. At later stage it is also planned to provide them referral cards to act as VCT referral. All the LHVs will also be provided referral cards for referring cases to VCT centers.Seven billboards were prepared with the message regarding “HIV/AIDS and were installed in the project area. 2 Billboards were installed on the main road with the approval of Pakistan Horticulture Authority (PHA) to create awareness among the Truck drivers, associated population and general public. 3500 key chain and 1200 wallets were prepared with the message regarding “HIV/AIDS” and distributed during various orientation sessions. Posters HIV/AIDS message were also distributed and affixed at prominent places in the project area.Four street theatres were arranged in collaboration with AIDS Awareness society in project area with the support of stakeholders and members of Project Coordinating Committee, which were viewed by more than 1500 truck drivers, cleaners, teachers, TBAs, LHWs and local community.
Rahnuma-FPAP decided to celebrate the 16 Days of Activism against Gender Violence; an international campaign by reaching out to women in Lahore Jail. It is important to note that those who witness or experience domestic violence themselves are often found inflicting.The intervention was aimed to have a catalytic effect and generate discourse on gender based violence. Looking at the initiatives on domestic violence, most of them deal with the outcomes of the violent relationships such as setting up shelters, crisis centers, counseling centers and legal aid centers. The purpose of the intervention was to make a direct contribution to the prevention of domestic violence.The activity aimed at tackling domestic violence by promoting the respect of human rights, sensitizing the women inmates and management at the Lahore Jail and the public at large to advocate for change and challenge the acceptance of violence and empowering victims of domestic violence through information sharing.Through this intervention 28 male and 9 female of Jail staff and 180 women inmates were sensitized and made aware on Human Rights, SRH Rights and Violence against Women. Counselling services were provided to 65 women, medical services to 82 women and legal advice to 124 women.

Service to the Ones at the Edge
The main focus of the project “Understanding Social Power and Dynamics among High Risk Groups and Piloting Specific Packages Using Innovative Approaches” revolves around working with female sex workers (FSWs), involving them in awareness, advocacy of HIV/AIDS, educating them through trainings and workshops, in an attempt to make them aware of the problems and trying to prevent the AIDS pandemic. From situation analysis it was observed that sex worker is widespread in major urban cities of Pakistan. In Quetta there are a considerable number of mobile FSWs that walk streets and parks, others are housed in scattered communities while the high class FSWs carry out their trade from houses in posh areas of cities. It has also been observed that due to low literacy among FSWs, early initiation into the trade, disempowerment to make decision regarding their life results in low self esteem, lack of knowledge and information on major SRH issues (including STIs & HIV) and poor access to quality health care services. Multiple sexual partners, low condom use and little perception of self-risk increase their vulnerability to acquisition and the potential for transmission of STIs and HIV.

As for as there are more than 500 FSWs in the capital city of Balochistan. Certain areas have higher concentration than others and their geographic distribution is documented. Majority of FSWs are street based (SBFSW) and usually work full time whereas the rest are home based (HBFSW) and work part time, operating whenever required. Afghan refugees are also included in numbers that are higher than the existing local/refugee ratios. Condom use is low, knowledge on HIV/AIDS scanty and only half know of sexual intercourse as a mean of transmission. Only 10% know of a screening test for HIV and only 5% have been tested. One fourth of FSWs report having STIs in past six months, of these 25% have self treated the infection. Some FSWs report being arrested and some having indulged in IDU, and having met with IDU client in past six months. IDUs account for 10.27% of total high risk activities in Quetta. (Ref. HASP summary report-Balochistan 2005-06)

The project was initiation with a goal to reduce transmission of HIV&AIDS through improvement in the health seeking behavior of FSWs and providing them access to quality information and health care services.

After conducting a KAP study, quality sexual reproductive health and primary health care services were provided to female sex workers in collaboration with UNFPA and a local NGO ‘Voice’ in Quetta.

Inline with the finding of above mentioned KAP study a fully functional Drop in Centers (DIC) was established to provide services for primary health care, reproductive health and syndromic case management, to female sex workers and their families as well as to local communities.

Through this initiative Drop in Centers were able to provide health services to more than fifteen hundred clients included counseling services and drugs for discharge, backache, fever, irregular menstruation, lower abdominal pain cough joint pains etc.

To provide comprehensive counseling and communications the outreach workers and the peer educators, conducted focus group discussions and one to one counseling sessions with the stakeholders and gatekeepers on SRH, HIV&AIDS and its prevention, STIs and its effects. They also used IEC materials to increase their information and knowledge.

98 gatekeepers and key informants of the target areas were registered and sensitized. Awareness sessions were provided on prevention of STIs, HIV&AIDS, services available at Drop in Centres, condom usage, referrals for testing for HIV&AIDS and STIs etc. The outreach workers have distributed 8363 condoms to gatekeepers and key informers.

During the project 571 FSWs were registered whereas 450 FSWs were sensitized. Sensitization sessions on Sexual and Reproductive Health, STIs, and HIV and AIDS, condom promotion, domestic violence, Drug abuse and information of services available at DIC etc were provided to 439 FSWs by the peer educators. The peer educators had distributed 17716 condoms.

Sessions were organized on dual protection of condoms and negotiating skills. The accessibility and availability of condoms to target group was the priority of the project staff. As a prevention measure condoms were regularly distributed and replenished by the project staff and record maintained.

Project staff arranged the medical camps in the field. The participants sensitized, orientation session conducted on awareness about HIV and AIDS and STIs by LHV. During the project period 15 field medical camps were arranged. In the first month the ratio of participants was low but gradually it increased during the reporting total 258 FSWs attended the camps.

During the reporting period IEC material on HIV&AIDS was obtained from Balochistan Aids Control Programme and was distributed to the target group. The project staffs also used IEC material on HIV & AIDS, reproductive health and rights, developed by Rahnuma-FPAP in Urdu language. 1322 pieces of IEC material were distributed by the outreach team and during their visits to the DIC.

Up till date 161 FSWs were referred to VOICE VCT Center for screening. Rahnuma-FPAP received results of 130 reports. There were no HIV & AIDS positive cases reported. However post test counseling was provided to the FSWs by the DIC staff. And condom usage stressed NACP has adopted the strategies tested by Rahnuma-FPAP project.