PSI

PSI/Honduras began its operations in 2000 focusing mainly on sexual and reproductive health. The platform’s goal has been to contribute to the overall reduction in the incidence of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) and HIV/AIDS. PSI/Honduras has worked to achieve this goal through its social marketing program, which takes holistic approach to promote healthy behaviors. PSI/Honduras works to empower individuals so they may lead healthy lives. They do this by providing information through various formats, so that it is not only easy for individuals to understand, but also so that it may be associated with products which are accessible, available and contribute to saving lives. Therefore, as the populations we serve continue to learn about good health – and demand it- they will have with them the necessary tools to lead healthy lives.

Health Areas

HIV, Reproductive Health

Health Impact

PASMO/Honduras estimates that in 2010, its products and services helped avert:

• 4,908 HIV & TB DALYs1
• 1,594 Reproductive Health DALYs
1. 1. Source: The DALY (Disability-Adjusted Life Year) is a widely-used, credible metric that was first developed by the World Bank and is now routinely relied upon in the public health community.

Health Interventions

• Men Who Have Sex with Men
• Sex Workers
• Male Condom
• Lubricant
• HIV Counseling and Testing
• Uniformed Services Personnel

Improving Health in Honduras

Reproductive Health - “CLUB EN CONEXIÓN”

Program for Sexual and Reproductive Health with emphasis on HIV and other STIs: The objective of “Club en Connection” is to facilitate a space in which adolescents can develop via an educational process. The goal of the program is to provide adolescents with information that will allow them to develop and shape their values on sexual and reproductive health, so that they may lead positive and responsible lives. The peer education process enables adolescents, so that they may have access to health services, products and STI prevention services, as well as family planning information and services. By providing these resources, adolescents can decide for themselves how they wish to exercise and live their sexuality.

HIV

HIV and STI integrated prevention program aimed at Honduras’ armed forces

This program incorporates sexual and reproductive health with an HIV and STI prevention and treatment component. The program’s strategy focuses on communication that seeks to develop behavior change which is developed through various formative and interactive activities. These activities are segmented by specific military groups. For example, with Officers and Deputy Officers we apply a sensitization methodology that consists of “Conferences and Forums” in which important themes such as HIV and STIs within the military are discussed. Cadets are trained as instructors or peer educators so that they may relay the information they receive within their military units. Given that this group is the largest within this program, a variety of engaging and participatory activities are used.

HIV and STI integrated prevention program aimed at Honduras’ armed forces

This program incorporates sexual and reproductive health with an HIV and STI prevention and treatment component. The program’s strategy focuses on communication that seeks to develop behavior change which is developed through various formative and interactive activities. These activities are segmented by specific military groups. For example, with Officers and Deputy Officers we apply a sensitization methodology that consists of “Conferences and Forums” in which important themes such as HIV and STIs within the military are discussed. Cadets are trained as instructors or peer educators so that they may relay the information they receive within their military units. Given that this group is the largest within this program, a variety of engaging and participatory activities are used.

Condom and Water-Based Lubricant Availability and Accessibility Program

“Marketing & Sales” – The distribution of health products is a strategy that compliments our behavior change communication strategy. PASMO/Honduras recognizes the importance of directing efforts to improve the availability and accessibility of condoms for the population, especially for those with greater risk of HIV infection.

To achieve integrated, efficient and sustainable HIV prevention, condom use is crucial; therefore, its promotion should be accelerated. Although new developments in prevention technology such as HIV vaccines and microbicides continue to advance, condom use will for many years, continue to be the leading prevention method.

Our availability and accessibility program focuses on product distribution by means of three distribution channels:

• Traditional, which is specifically made up of pharmacies,
• Non-Traditional, which consists of sales points where condom sales do not traditionally take place e.g. convenience stores, supermarkets, “Pulperias”, Warehouses among others; and
• High Risk Channels, these are sales points such as night clubs, motels, date houses, etc. that are linked or highly associated with commercial sex work.