HIV and AIDS Awareness Programs in Remote Areas of PNG: An Evaluation of VSO PNG Tokaut AIDS Impact in the Second Year of Activity

VSO Tokaut AIDS started early 2005, first recruiting and training, then touring two local theatre troupes, Kunai Paia Tieta in Raikos (Madang Province), and Bismarck Range Tieta in lower Jimi Valley (Western Highlands Province). The troupes have been operational since August 2005, using scripted theatre as well as Forum and Image Theatre and peer group discussions to create a community-based dialogue on the need for behavior change in the context of HIV&AIDS. In an effort to evaluate the impact of this work, research was conducted in both districts in June 2006. This research follows on the baseline research carried out by VSO Tokaut AIDS in March 2005, before the start of the awareness interventions. This article presents the results of the research. Key acronyms: AIDS Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome; HIV Human Immunodeficiency Virus; PLWHA People Living with HIV&AIDS; PNG Papua New Guinea; STI Sexually Transmitted Infection; TB Tuberculosis; VSO Voluntary Service Overseas