PREVENTING HIV and AIDS

DIFAA has recognised the need to integrate HIV and AIDS information and services into other projects and programmes to ensure that opportunities for HIV are maximised. For example DIFAA are involved in a local  funded programme on dual protection [the use of male and female condoms alone or together with another contraceptive method] by tackling the barriers to its use. This project is running in six local sub-districts [Caruban, Sambet, Jetis, Sukorejo, Babatan, Sampung and Sawo]. Whilst much has been achieved, as long as 525 women die every year from conditions related to pregnancy and childbirth, and while HIV infection levels stand at 1 million per year, the continuing need for SRH services is clear. Despite increasingly scare resources, DIFAAs are maintaining and expanding their services, and working to ensure client needs are met by the highest standards of quality of care. Quality of care is also an essential element in sustaining programmes, allowing DIFAAs to attract and maintain clients, and to generate much needed local income.