Although many messages have been designed and disseminated about HIV and AIDS in the world and in Malawi, not many of these messages have triggered behaviour change; much of the messages have only succeeded in disseminating information.
And what is more, most HIV and AIDS messages have mainly targeted the youth, the rural population and the urban non-working class. The urban working class is in most cases left out and regarded as a group fully conversant with HIV and AIDS issues, and the hectic industrial atmosphere also makes it hard to reach them.
BLM has taken a leading role in the designing of messages that facilitate behaviour change and that target this sidelined group.
HIV AND AIDS AWARENESS AND BEHAVIOURAL CHANGE SESSIONS AT WORKPLACE:
BLM runs this programme with funding from the DFID. Under this initiative, BLM visits construction sites. Workers at such sites spend months away from their spouses and this are subjects them to risky behaviour.
BLM equips them with information on Sexual and Reproductive Health and HIV and AIDS to enable them make informed decision to reduce the spread of HIV and AIDS.
Emphasis is placed on refrain ing and safer sex for those that can't refrain. Workers are referred to BLM centres for counseling and testing and also for treatment of STIs. Condoms, both male and female, are also distributed for free.
In the reporting period a total of 109 sites were visited.
WORKPLACE BEHAVIOUR CHANGE AND COMMUNICATION
BLM initiates this training in different institutions after consultations with proprietors.
In these sessions, the workforce is taught to be faithful, to practice safer sex (those that can't abstain), and to go for HIV Testing and Counselling.
Modern family planning sessions are also given.
In the reporting period a total of 221 institutions were trained.
