\nSpeaking at the launching programme, project manager incharge, North East Nossal Institute for Global Health, University of Melbourne, Dr. Joyce Angami highlighted on the OSD project and said the project was evolved after a three-year \u201crapid assignment study\u201d conducted by AIHI and EHA-Project Orchid.
\nAccording to the study, it was found that stigma and discrimination were mostly prevalent in Manipur and Nagaland, Dr. Joyce said.
\nThe Project will combat stigma and discrimination against marginalized groups, affected communities and PLHA in Manipur and Nagaland by applying a coordinated and creative mix of local mass media together with individual and community-based behavior change communication interventions to deliver more appropriate messages and information in order to raise people\u2019s awareness and challenge attitudes.
\nTeam leader, Project OSD (Manipur and Nagaland), Dr. Bernice Dziivichii who gave a brief summary on objectives of the OSD project also said tailored messages will be delivered through a variety of community-based mass media and interpersonal channels.
\nThe project will also include diverse \u201cmedia mix\u201d like locally produced video programming broadcast on local DDK and cable stations, radio programmes on AIR Kohima and Mokokchung, mobile \u201center-educate\u201d events to deliver both general and tailored messages to communities throughout the two states and interpersonal communication.
\nThe resulting \u201cmedia mix\u201d will serve to impact social norms, impact community and individual attitudes, dispel myths and misconceptions surrounding HIV\/AIDS, allow for clear and frank discussion of Stigma and Discrimination in a \u201cpublic forum\u201d, and enhance access to services for care and support.
\nState communication officer, Project OSD, Menosaii Kevichusa gave a display of various publicity materials, which would be used during the media campaign till November 2009. She also said the all the materials were produced and designed by local talents and screened before selection.
\nThe Implementing Agency for this project is Australian International Health Institute – Nossal Institute for Global Health, with the partner organization Emmanuel Hospital Association \u2013Project Orchid, and the target groups are community leaders and the general population of Manipur and Nagaland.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"