Outreach Project: Increase Condom Use and Decrease HIV/AIDS Stigmas

Mchezi CBO in Malawi. 

Recent success with World Camp outreach projects in Malawi remind us of Margaret Mead's words, "Never doubt that a small group of dedicated individuals can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has."

Well lately, that small group of people includes World Camp interns and villagers in Mchezi, and that change is combatting HIV transmission by breaking down barriers and stigmas associated with condom use.

Proper, consistent use of condoms significantly reduces the likelihood of HIV transmission. It is a crucial element in combatting HIV/AIDS, as unprotected sex is the most common mode of HIV transmission worldwide. The Cochrane review study reports that condom use can reduce HIV transmission by as much as 94% (Source: World Health Organization Reproductive Health Library)! Yet in many places around Malawi, stigmas against condom use, and even a lack of knowing how to use a condom, are quite prevalent. Thus, condom use is an important element of World Camp's HIV prevention curriculum at both schools and during outreach projects.

World Camp first worked with members at Mchezi this past January 2011. Our 6 interns worked with CBO members of all ages for a 1 day workshop. The group centered topics around the biological basics of HIV/AIDS. Interns covered how the virus is passed from person to person and how individuals can protect themselves and their loved ones from contracting HIV. Proper condom use was a major focus of World Camp’s work that day. This workshop included demonstrations on the proper use of both male and female condoms; interns also answered numerous questions about condom use, effectiveness, manufacture and safety. Though the group realized they had only reached the tip of the iceberg of a very important issue, interns nonetheless left Mchezi that day feeling successful in how they tackled the misconceptions surrounding condom use. 

And now we have the data to prove World Camp’s programming helped promote condom use within the communities surrounding Mchezi! In 2010, Mchezi distributed a monthly average of 82 male condoms and just 4 female condoms. However, since World Camp’s programming in January 2011, distribution at Mchezi increased to a monthly average of 166 male and 85 female condoms!! In other words, more than twice as many male condoms and twenty times as many female condoms are currently being used by members of Mchezi CBO and those living nearby! 

 The above images reflect Mchezi’s logs of their monthly condom distribution.

Just three weeks ago, World Camp’s Summer Session 1 interns ventured back to Mchezi to conduct a follow-up project. Interns reviewed the basics of HIV/AIDS and the benefits of condom use. In an effort to deepen our impact, interns also worked with groups to tackle issues of stigma and discrimination against people living with HIV.

This past weekend, World Camp headed back to Mchezi for a third workshop!  Programming included more information on the biology of HIV/AIDS and how the virus can affect anyone. Teachers covered the practical and realistic ways members of Mchezi can assist those living with HIV and further fight stigma and discrimination. Stay tuned for updated condom distribution numbers and feedback from both World Camp and Mchezi participants!

Submitted by: Karen Clark, Malawi Program Coordinator