Community transformation takes many sizes and shapes here in the Dominican Republic and around the world. One of these shapes is community level HIV and AIDS prevention. About two percent of the population of the country is HIV positive or has AIDS. 80% of those with HIV and AIDS are between 15 and 24 years old, clearly an at-risk population.
While government programs have had some impact in urban areas, most rural towns and villages have had little exposure to AIDS prevention education. This is especially true for communities where Haitian immigrants are the predominant population. Government services to this population group are few or nonexistent in most cases.
CRWRC partner Desarollo Comunitario Inc. (Community Development Inc., or DesCo) is implementing a three year program that will reach fifteen communities where Haitians live and work. It wants to create a groundswell movement in participating communities for sexual abstinence until marriage. Increased knowledge about HIV and AIDS, and consciousness-raising among youngpeople, parents and church/community leaders, will help create an environment that will allow teens and young adults to make a commitment to abstinence.
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