AIDS & Mobility Europe

HIV/Aids prevention among migrant populations has been singled out as a key component in reducing the spread of HIV in Europe. Furthermore, activities aiming to build sustainable capacity are being prioritized and young people are identified as a particularly vulnerable group. A European approach of evidence based prevention, empowerment and social inclusion has been identified. The proposal for Aids & Mobility 2007-2010 is brought forward by a migrant-based organisation and a network of more than 20 partners across the EU and in Turkey.

The project aims to explore the potential for reporting on health determinants and knowledge through capacity building and outreach in a mediator system approach. It will (1) combine efforts to catalyze and trigger collaboration, (2) monitor HIV-knowledge, attitudes and behaviours, (3) establish mediator training and mediator systems, (4) provide information to migrant communities and the public through dissemination, and (5) undertake evidence based policy work.

As a result the project will expand on the work of previous years and enrol new partners and networks. In at least six countries more than 120 migrants will be recruited and trained and a total of more than 2,400 young migrants (up to 24,000) will be reached through community based group sessions. (Self-) Evaluation will strengthen the approach and form a basis for professional development of health education in migrant communities. In the end a new standard approach to HIV-prevention could be established across Europe and further promoted as a key technology in HIV prevention, care and antidiscrimination. It is expected that some mediators will start their own social enterprise in health promotion and prevention for migrant communities - contributing to a sustained response in containing the HIV epidemic.

Project Objectives
The main aim of AIDS & Mobility Europe is to reduce HIV vulnerability of migrant and mobile populations in Europe. The definition of migrant is based on language barriers in access to health services as a result of belonging to a population minority (mostly ethnic group).

Specifically the project will aim:
1) To develop an innovative health education model for migrants and ethnic minorities.
2) To implement structured transcultural mediator training and to conduct educational group sessions on HIV/AIDS.
3) To strengthen the existing network structures of HIV prevention among migrants.
4) To evaluate performance and outcomes.
5) To disseminate the results and communicate them widely.
6) To design adequate strategies to assure continuity of the approach.
7) To influence European and national policy making.