Synergizing youth sexual reproductive health and HIV prevention in India: a model for change

Ritu Kumar Mishra, Population Foundation Of India

Objectives: This paper is an attempt to study a pilot initiative undertaken in Gosainganj Block, Uttar Pradesh to reduce risk of STIs/HIV and unwanted pregnancies among youth (15-24 years) through access to youth friendly health services. Methods: Methods: This study is a comparison of baseline and end line survey conducted among 450 randomly selected young people from 12 villages, where YIC were established in 2005-7. Results: The end line survey shows that the knowledge of condom as ‘dual protection’ and the use of condom, STI and HIV/AIDS has increased manifold among the young people. Uptake of sexual reproductive health services at PHC and FRU has increased significantly. Conclusions: The pilot project has improved sexual and reproductive health knowledge of young people to a large extent. This model can be further researched and replicated for improving reproductive health knowledge of young people.