a sourcebook of hiv/aids prevention programs volume 2

88 A Sourcebook of HIV/AIDS Prevention Programs, Vol. 2of Education. The Ministry of Health provides JAIP with funding for atelephone hotline, which provides information and advice about HIV/AIDS.Rationale and HistoryJAIP aims to prevent HIV infection, increase awareness of HIV/AIDS,encourage changes in attitudes and behavior, and increase acceptance of peopleliving with HIV/AIDS. Through the work of its volunteer educators,it seeks to facilitate communication about HIV through a triangular modelthat involves students, parents (and the community at large), and school staff(figure 5.1).The program began in 1986, as schools in Jerusalem began to requestbasic factual information about HIV/AIDS. Early lesson plans were developedby Inon Schenker, an HIV prevention specialist. The successful use ofthese materials in a small number of schools led other schools to requestthem. Such demand led to the creation of an expert group that developed theconcepts, methods, and content of a systematic program for use in schoolsin Israel and elsewhere. The program that was developed is run by JAIP, anNGO that works closely with Israel’s schools.Israel’s context presents the program with particular opportunitiesand challenges. The incidence of HIV in the country is low. When theprogram started, there was fear that Israel would experience an epidemicaffecting many thousands of people. As time has gone by, this has notoccurred, creating some complacency about the risks of infection. Yet withimmigration from highly affected regions (including Eastern Europe andEthiopia), the potential for increased transmission is ever present. At theFigure 5.1: The JAIP Triangular ModelstudentsAIDSeducatorschool staffparents andcommunitySource: JAIP.(c) The International Bank for Reconstruction and Development / The World Bank