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In Kyrgyzstan the number of people living with HIV is increasing each year. Between 2001 and 2009, the estimated number of new HIV infections increased by over 25 per cent (UNAIDS global report 2010). In 2009 there were 9,800 people living with HIV in Kyrgyzstan (UNAIDS global report 2010).
The Kyrgyzstan Red Crescent is one of many organisations working to raise awareness on HIV in the country. In recent years, the organisation has developed a focus on working with vulnerable young people and other at-risk population groups and individuals.
HIV peer education in Kyrgyzstan
According to the latest available figures from the World Health Organisation, around 70 per cent of people living with HIV in Kyrgyzstan are under 30 years of age.
The Kyrgyzstan Red Crescent Society has been working with 10-24 year olds since 2005. Its HIV peer education programme targets particularly vulnerable youths, including:
- street children
- teenagers who are not in school
- children registered with the police
- children in orphanages and boarding schools.
These groups are considered to be more vulnerable to HIV infection.
In the programme, young volunteers teach their peers about HIV, sharing information about drug misuse as well as life skills. They develop communication skills, enabling them to say no to drugs and to negotiate safer sex, and learn about condom access and usage. The awareness-raising information is specifically developed for each group of young people depending on their needs.
The Kyrgyzstan Red Crescent also has peer education programmes for people who inject drugs, the military, sex workers and vulnerable women, including women who are unemployed, internal migrants, single mothers and women with comparatively large families.
Read Itibek's story on educating young people about HIV
Read Nick Young's blog about his visit to Kyrgyzstan