Website: http://foundation.staying-alive.org/en
International
Since 2009, Positive Action has funded a programme of training, development and capacity building for youth-focused HIV organisations and their young leaders, enhancing the existing Staying Alive Foundation (SAF) HIV prevention grants programme that reaches fledgling and innovative organisations in all parts of the world. Face-to-face training, e-learning, exchanges and work placements are combined with Staying Alive’s mentoring programme to provide the skills and knowledge needed by the individuals and their organisations.
Young people aged 15-24 account for 40% of all new HIV infections (UNAIDS 2007). Only 40% of young men and 36% of young women have accurate knowledge on transmission and prevention. The most effective HIV prevention is that carried out by and for young people. In spite of this, investment in young people’s responses to HIV remains limited, as do their opportunities to contribute to national and international HIV strategy.
There are two pressing needs: to reach young people with effective HIV prevention that helps them adopt appropriate behaviour change; and to recognise and support their commitment to the continuing fight against HIV and AIDS, renewing the sector and keeping it relevant to new generations.
Alternative content
MTV established the Staying Alive Foundation in 2005, building on its commitment to tackle HIV prevention and stigma through regular programming that itself built into the year-round Staying Alive Media Campaign. The SAF makes grants to organisations run by and for young people (with a target age group of 15 to 27) working to prevent HIV infection and alleviate stigma and discrimination.
The new training and development programme is designed to make their HIV projects more effective, to build stronger and more sustainable organisations, and to develop and promote young people as the leaders of the future community HIV response.
To find out more about the Staying Alive Foundation and take a tour of the project on the ViiV Healthcare Effect site: click here.