Ghana HIV/AIDS Volunteer-Match Program
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Starting in 2012, The Ladybug Project will be working in the Volta Region of Ghana, in partnership with the Bediako YouthAid Foundation, on an innovate HIV/AIDS Volunteer-Match Program. This initiative will be the first of its kind in the area, and will also focus its efforts on the mental and psychological well-being of HIV positive individuals, an aspect off forgotten in development projects.
This program aims to: - Create the first volunteer-match program in the Jasikan area of Ghana, which will partner HIV positive individuals with local volunteers. This will help HIV positive individuals, who are otherwise heavily stigmatized, feel supported and encouraged to seek regular medical treatment. Individuals who feel stigmatized are ordinarily less likely to use contraception, less likely to disclose their HIV status to partners, and less likely to continue medical care - we hope to change this. - Undertake both male and female-focused outreach in the Jasikan area, in a culturally and gender sensitive manner. This outreach will focus on increasing understanding of what HIV is, and how to prevent transmission of the virus. - We will increase supply of free or low-cost condoms and contraceptive devices to the Jasikan area. The cost of condoms increased by 200% in 2010, which likely caused a decrease in regular use. - We will undertake sensitivity training with healthcare professionals to increase awareness of the disease and effectiveness in the mental/psychological handling of HIV positive individuals. - Publish and disseminate data collected from this project to national and international entities. We are actively accepting monetary donations and support for this project; our expected budget for this 2-year program is approximately $64,000. Our impact from this project will be Jasikan area (population ~82,000 people) as well ~100 HIV positive individuals. To donate for this project, please click here!
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To read our strategic plan for this project, please view the PDF (left):
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