Interpersonal Communication Tools for HIV Prevention for Sex Workers and Men Who Have Sex with Men

C-Change Namibia developed these interpersonal communication (IPC) tools on HIV prevention to focus on two key affected populations: commercial sex workers (CSW) and men who have sex with men (MSM). To develop them, C-Change Namibia reviewed existing national, regional, and international communication materials on HIV prevention for sex workers and MSM and developed session guides and picture codes. According to C-Change, the materials were finalised during workshops and consultations with key partners and representatives from affected populations.

Picture codes are materials that are used to stimulate a discussion about specific issues like behaviour which puts people at risk of HIV infection. The picture code has a photograph on one side showing people in different situations and on the other side has questions for the field worker to ask to stimulate a discussion. Underneath the questions are "talking points" or information the field worker can share with participants. Picture code stories are basically the same as picture codes except that there are several pictures that should be shown and discussed one after the other. They usually tell a story of people in different situations who make different behaviour choices.

The Integrated Peer Learning Guides for CSW and MSM are intended to be used by partners working in the prevention of HIV among these groups. Each guide includes detailed session guides to assist facilitators. The following tools were developed and are available for downloading:

Man Having Sex with Men Picture Codes
Sex Worker Picture Codes
Social and Behaviour Change Communication Peer Learning Guide - Focusing on the Drivers of HIV/AIDS Epidemic: MSM
Social and Behaviour Change Communication Peer Learning Guide - Focusing on the Drivers of HIV/AIDS Epidemic: Sex workers

The tools can also be downloaded from the C-Hub website.