Anr College Group

Red Ribbon Club

Introduction

Youth is among the most vulnerable to HIV infection. The adolescent age with its specific psychological and social attributes is more susceptible to sexual curiosity and behavior that make them particularly vulnerable to HIV infection. In India,the estimated number of young people living with HIV is 1.7 lakh (2021). Youth are especially vulnerable to the risk of HIV infection because of limited access to correct information and a lack of appropriate life skills.

RED Ribbon

Equally alarming is the fact that paid blood donors are associated with a significantly higher prevalence of transfusion-transmissible infections (TTIs) including HIV, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, Syphilis, and Malaria. The safest blood donors are voluntary, non-remunerated blood donors from low-risk populations. In view of this, NACO/SACS has taken the initiative in promoting voluntary non-remunerated donation by establishing RRC and reaching youth to pledge to give regular blood donations to lead healthy lifestyles to protect both themselves and the recipients of their blood from HIV and other infectious agents and in addressing the knowledge, attitude, and behavior of youth in the area of HIV & AIDS and sexuality by establishing RRCs.

AIM

Red Ribbon Club formation in colleges is to encourage peer-to-peer messaging on HIV prevention and to provide a safe space for young people to seek clarifications of their doubts and myths surrounding HIV/AIDS. The RRCs also promote voluntary blood donation among youth.

Objectives of RRCs

  • To reduce new HIV infection among youth by raising their risk perception through awareness on Sex, Sexuality, and HIV / AIDS.
  • To induce among youth the spirit to help and support people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) thereby reducing stigma and discrimination against PLHAs.
  • To motivate youth and build their capacity as peer educators and change agents by developing their skills on leadership, negotiation, and team building.
  • To promote voluntary non-remunerated blood donation among youth.
  • Vibrancy of Youth: Tap the vibrancy of Youth and channelizing the energy of the youth in a positive direction.
  • Sex & Sexuality, HIV/AIDS & STI: Provide access to correct information on sexuality, HIV/AIDS, STI and other youth related issues in an enabling environment to promote healthy life styles.
  • Peer Education: Develop a cadre of Peer Educators among youth.
  • Voluntary Blood Donation: Promote voluntary non-remunerated blood donation.

Strategies of RRC

  • Conduct Awareness campaigns
  • Leadership training as peer educators
  • Intra and inter college/university competitions
  • Organizing various HIV/AIDs & STU related programmes, seminars and competitions
  • Planning and implementing outreach activities for HIV awareness etc.

Role of RRC

As Red Ribbon Club member please educate yourself and educate others, empower them and encourage them to engage in HIV/AIDS prevention and response. Here are a few roles and responsibilities, not limited to:

EDUCATE

  • Yourself about HIV and AIDS
  • Risk assessment and need for HIV testing
  • HIV/AIDS Services available, like HIV testing, treatment as prevention treatment helps you lead a healthy life and viral load suppression
  • Prevention of Parent to Child Transmission of HIV
  • Life skills

EMPOWER

  • Share your knowledge about HIV/AIDS & STI with your peers, family, community, and others
  • Encourage them to go for a Self-risk assessment and if at risk then encourage them to go for HIV/STI testing services
  • If tested positive for HIV/STI not to worry just avail free treatment to lead a healthy and happy life.
  • Conduct educational campaigns related to HIV/AIDS and STI prevention, treatment, and viral suppression.
  • Learn about Life skills development

ENGAGE

  • Engage peers and colleges in increasing awareness
  • Engage yourself as a volunteer during Health camps or campaigns
  • Observe and participate in events such as: National Youth day – 12th January
  • International Youth Day – 12th August
  • National Voluntary Blood Donation Day – 1st October
  • World AIDS Day – 1st December

What is the role of Red Ribbon Club (RRCs) member

  • Educate yourself, peers and community, Empower peers and community members and Engage yourself and your peers
  • Know about HIV/AIDs & STI –
    • Transmission
    • Response in terms of Prevention, care support, and treatment.
    • Self risk assessment/li>
    • Do's and Don'ts
    • Facts and Myths
  • Be part of APSACS Social media campaigns like “SAFE LIFE” campaign etc.
  • Please collect IEC materials from APSACS on HIV and AIDS messages related to youth and blood donation from service centres under NSACS
  • With developed life skills and leadership qualities, performing the role of peer educators to heighten the HIV/AIDS risk perception and instill negotiation skills among the youth
  • Conduct RRC group discussions to increase awareness about HIV/AIDS & STI and in reducing stigma and discrimination, among your peers and community members.
  • Conduct HIV awareness sessions in your College/university
  • Please document all your good work. Please share your activities (picture, write-ups)

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