Advocacy and sensitization of gatekeepers : an approach to Prevent HIV in Bangladesh
“Advocacy & Sensitization of Religious Leaders, Community Leaders, Parents and Policy Makers on HIV/AIDS” is one of the 5 key packages of GFATM funded project for Preventing HIV/AIDS Among Young People in Bangladesh, is implementing by Padakhep Consortium. After successful completion of Phase-I, phase-II of the project is in progress. Since March 2004 to September 2007, the project has successfully accomplished a needs assessment survey, 128 RTDs, 5 divisional workshops with GOB officials, , developed, printed and distributed of advocacy package materials, 230 Upazila advocacy workshops, 16 workshops with NGOs (2 National level, 14 Divisional level), workshops with five relevant ministries, mainstreaming HIV/AIDS in GOB and through NGO outreach activities involving community and religious leaders and planed to develop advocacy materials to disseminate HIV/AIDS information through different religious institutes etc. This project established an effective public private partnership, helped to build positive attitudes of religious leaders and other gatekeepers, created significant opportunity to participate women participants in workshop to express their opinion and positive environment in prevention of HIV/AIDS among target groups all over the Bangladesh.

Background
Technical package 904 “Advocacy & Sensitization of Religious Leaders, Community Leaders, Parents and Policy Makers on HIV/AIDS” is one of the package of GFATM funded project on “Prevention of HIV/AIDS among Young People in Bangladesh”. This project is a part of the National Health, Nutrition and Population Sector Program (HNPSP) which is designed to meet MDGs and UNGASS declaration. The project has commenced from March 1, 2004 initially for 2 years and Phase-II of this project will continue up to February 28, 2009. Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MOHFW) and save The Children-USA signed an agreement on March 21, 2004 to provide management services for effective implementation of the project through Sub Recipient nationwide.

Project Title
Advocacy & Sensitization of Religious Leaders, Community Leaders, Parents and Policy Makers on HIV/AIDS.

The purpose of the project
The package is working to create supportive environment for young people and to ensure their access to necessary information and services on HIV/AIDS.

Objectives of the Project

• Prevent HIV/AIDS among young people through advocacy and sensitization with Policy makers, Community Leaders, Religious Leaders and Parents following workshop at all level;
• Outreach to Community and Parents through NGOs by inserting HIV information into their existing programs / activities;
• Mainstreaming HIV/AIDS among five key ministries;
• Advocacy for policy formulation, adaptation and approval with high officials of key ministries and policy makers