Within the project „Preventive-educational work with RAE community“supported by the Global Fund for AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria, 40 workshops were held in RAE communities in Podgorica, Nikšic, Bar, Berane and Bijelo Polje.
Workshops were held by RAE peer educators. Around 650 members of RAE population were included in these cities. Workshop program includes presentation of HIV/AIDS situation in Montenegro and worldwide, basic information about HIV/AIDS, ways of transmission and non-transmission, and also importance of fight against stigma and discrimination against people who live with HIV/AIDS. Participants were given basic information and explanation on testing on HIV in Montenegro and they were invited to test themselves in VCT (voluntary counseling and testing) centers. We printed and distributed IEP (informational, educational and promotional) and BCC (behavioral communicational change) material and a large amount of condoms. Workshops were held in cooperation with local partners, NGO’s and local communities.
In future, within the same project, we plan to organize 30 workshops in Podgorica, Nikšic, Bijelo Polje, Berane, Bar, Kotor, Tivat and Budva.