Prevention of AIDS Through Increasing Knowledge – (PATHIK)

Prevention of AIDS Through Increasing Knowledge (PATHIK) is a long term program on HIV/AIDS run by SMS. The project was started in 2003 and till to date it is running. SMS works with diversified vulnerable groups which includes female sex workers (street-based, hotel-based & floating sex workers), internal migrant workers like – bus/truck drivers & helpers, rickshaw/cart/van pullers & their wives, hotel & restaurant workers, slum dwellers, college students,Islamic school students through holistic approach. The intervention process were education, treatment and follow-up of STI,s, VCT and counseling and HIV Test. The monitoring result shows that the partnership between MISEREOR & SMS becomes truly fruitful among the different stakeholders to achieve the overall goal of HIV/AIDS work in Bangladesh.

One to one session is one of the best process to share and disseminate information and knowledge on HIV/AIDS. Peer Educator discussed health problems with the project participants closely and keeps confidentiality. Field Supervisors and Peer Educators are also involved in communicating the individuals and community people at Faridpur. Group session is held regularly to open the information in grater forum. The  well experienced medical team consisting two doctors (1 male &1 female ) render syndormic management of STI. A laboratory technician ( female) provide the test for STD, if she/he is interested than HIV test is done and keep confidentiality. Social awareness activities is done periodic basis among  the key populations. Each quarter a Youth Magazine is published enriching HIV/AIDS update information and distributed among the public and private institutions. World AIDS Day is observed every year to reach greater general communities.