The second phase of an information campaign “En Todo tu
Derecho” (“You have every right”), was launched
yesterday in Colombia aimed at preventing the transmission of the
HIV virus among internally displaced youths.

The information campaign is part of “Proyecto
Colombia” (Project Colombia), financed by The Global Fund to
Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, and implemented by the Global
Fund’s Country Coordination Mechanism (CCM) representing 18
public and civil society organizations including IOM, with the
Organization taking on the role of project management.

The event included a fashion show by prestigious Colombian
designer Carlos Pinel, a live performance by Grammy nominee
Inés Gaviria, and the participation of MTV, national media
companies, and the private sector such as Coca-Cola.

HIV transmission rates in Colombia show young people are among
the most affected. According to UNAIDS, men and women aged between
15-24 years of age represent 40.34 per cent of new cases with a
stronger incidence occurring in displaced populations.

The project, which began in May 2004, is an attempt to build an
inter-institutional response on sexual and reproductive health,
with special emphasis on prevention and treatment of sexually
transmitted diseases including HIV and AIDS among youth in host
communities.

It also seeks to strengthen social response and coordination at
the municipal level to increase access to qualified sexual
education and sexual and reproductive health services for up to
600,000 young people from both displaced and host communities aged
between 10-24 years of age.

Aside from the information campaign, Project Colombia carries
out income generation and cultural activities for youth, providing
young men and women with options aimed at keeping them away from
HIV risk situations.

Further information:

Jorge Andrés Gallo

Press, IOM Mission in Colombia

Tel: + 5715946410 ext 142

E-mail: "mailto:jgallo@oim.org.co">jgallo@oim.org.co