HORIZONS PROJECT
Reducing HIV Risk Through Violence Prevention with Young Men in Tanzania

HIV, AIDS, and violence are three major and interrelated health problems affecting women worldwide. In 2001, researchers from Muhimbili University College of Health Sciences and Johns Hopkins University investigated the attitudes and experiences related to partner violence and HIV serostatus disclosure of women who seek voluntary counseling and testing (VCT). Both male and female informants associated violence with infidelity, which is an important risk factor for HIV infection. While community norms around gender encourage men to initiate sex, they seem to limit women’s ability to express their own needs and concerns. Moreover, informants described a great deal of mistrust that impedes communication.

Based on the findings from this study, a three-year follow-on study was conducted in Dar es Salaam to evaluate a community-based intervention for young men that aimed to change attitudes and behaviors related to partner violence, relationships, and HIV and AIDS.

The new study began in July 2003 with six months of formative research consisting of in-depth interviews and focus group discussions with both young men and women. Implemented in two communities in Dar es Salaam, the intervention aimed to create peer and community support for transforming social norms to prevent the spread of HIV. It consisted of community theater and peer education, targeting young men 16–24 years old. Specifically, the intervention sought to encourage partner reduction and fidelity, and greater respect, trust, and communication in relationships.

Final results are expected in late 2007.

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Location

Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania

Duration

April 2003–March 2007

Horizons and Population Council researchers

Ellen Weiss, Ann McCauley

Non-Council collaborators

Suzanne Maman (formerly of Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health)

Jessie Mbwambo, Richard Kaballa (Muhimbili University College of Health Sciences)

Johns Hopkins University Center for Communication Programs

University of Dar es Salaam Drama Department

Donor

US Agency for International Development

Publications/Resources
Horizons and Population Council researchers' names appear in boldface type. 

2007
Maganja, R.K., Suzanne Maman, Allison Groves, and Jesse K. Mbwambo. “Skinning the goat and pulling the load: Transactional sex among youth in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania,” AIDS Care 19(8): 974–981. (abstract)

2004
Weiss, Ellen. "Preventing HIV and partner violence," Horizons Report, December. Washington, DC: Population Council. (Contact horizons@popcouncil.org for a copy)

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Related Project

• HIV-associated Violence: Implications for HIV Counseling and Testing Programs in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania

See Also

• Tanzania

• Horizons Program

• HIV and AIDS

• HIV and AIDS/Prevention

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