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The goal of the HIV/AIDS related with Drugs Program is to, with a grass root-leveled approach, ensure the access to accurate information on drugs, the effects of use and the linkage between drug use and HIV/AIDS. The target group is both the general public and identified drug users (DU). Another goal is to, by educating community stakeholders about the same issues, reduce stigma and discrimination of DU.
The program covers 5 communes/sangkats in Russey Keo district in eastern Phnom Penh. Its target group includes DU, almost all male, and non-drug using youth.
Activities include:
- Educating DU and non-DU about drug use and linkage between drug use and HIV/AIDS.
- Educating DU about harm reduction and risk perception.
- Arranging support groups and providing psychosocial support.
- Providing session on life skills.
- Capacity building through outreach and peer training along with sensitivity and advocacy training.
- Empowerment by supporting access to education and providing economic support.
- Collaboration with other organizations and institutions in order to improve the work against drug use.
- Advocacy benefiting DU.
- Providing health service by referral to Voluntary Confidential Counseling Testing (VCCT) and by providing a rehabilitation center.
- Operating two soccer teams. By this encouraging and promoting youth DU to play soccer rather than using drugs.
- Providing vocational skills training to DU.
The program employs both staff and peers.
Furthermore the work is carried out in close collaboration with an advisory group consisting of 8 persons from authorities, village chiefs etc, in order to ensure community participation and empowerment.
HIV/AIDS related with Drugs Program is technically supported and funded by USAID through KHANA (Khmer HIV/AIDS NGO Alliance).
Other SFODA programs:
Care center,
Integrated Care Support and Prevention program,
and Vietnamese SMARTgirl Program