Red Ribbon Club

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.

UP is low risk state but highly vulnerable

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.

FOUR KEY AREAS OF RRC

Vibrancy of Youth

Sex and Sexuality

HIV/AIDS/STI

Peer Education