Re: Studies on HIV vulnerability and disasters like Tsunami

[Guest guest]

Hi Kalamani and other Forum Members,

Infact you have raised an interesting issue, `understanding the

vulnerabilities of people affected by tsunami'. we are happy to

update you that Oxfam International had carried out a preliminary

study on the same issue to enable its affiliates and partners to

initiate the process of mainstreaming HIV and AIDS into all our

tsunami response program.

As recommended by the initial study and the experiences in

implementing HIV and AIDS mainstreaming for last one year, we

initiated a major research to explore and `uunderstand vulnerability

of Coastal Communities to HIV and AIDS in Tsunami hit areas and the

compound effect of the same'. Overall, this study seeks to

analytically explore what is the extent of HIV and AIDS

vulnerability on the communities recovering from tsunami, what is

being done, who is doing it and what else needs to be done. Changed

risk behaviour could be a variety of angles – increased sexual

encounters (including casual sex), change in sexual behaviour and

preferences, lesser usage of condoms, particularly in non-marital

settings. The study will seek to look at the changed risk behaviour

among the key population being studied.

The main objective of the study is to develop an understanding of

the situation and needs of the tsunami hit communities with respect

to prevention of STI/HIV/AID. – Heightened key vulnerabilities of

tsunami hit communities to STI/HIV/AIDS, facilitatory and inhibitory

factors, extent of the problem, current interventions, gaps.

We believe that this will provide opportunities for possible action

for Oxfam International, given its country and global priorities and

will be useful for future policy decisions for the state and other

funding and implementing agencies.

the study is in progress, secondary data collection and interactions

with different players are on along with the filed testing of tools

and methodology. we realise that the study will provide more in-

depth information on the need to mainstream HIV and AIDS into any

disaster mitigation program.

the study is being carried out by CMS and you can get more details

of the same either from CMS (shiv@...) or from the below

mentioned address.

thanking you

in Solidarity

K.

Program Coordinator - HIV & AIDS,

Oxfam International,

117P Sivaswami Salai, Near Nilgiri Nest

Mylapore, Chennai-600014, India

Land Phone (Direct): +91 44 42312629

Cell Phone: +91 98408 77763

Fax: +91 44 52109427

Alternative Email: josekannur@...