RTK - India Profile

Young people as a percentage of total population:
30% (age 10-24)

Estimated percentage of young people living with HIV/AIDS:
Female – 0.96%
Male – 0.46%

RTK INITIATIVE STATUS
Phase I: Planning for RTK -- Completed
Phase II: Participatory Action Research -- Initiated; to be completed upon receipt of funding
Phase III: Research development and Implementation of Communication Strategy -- To be initiated 2003

PURPOSE:
The primary goal of Right to Know is to plan and implement adolescent communication strategies that provide adolescents (both in school and out of school) with information and lifeskills for the prevention of HIV/AIDS, and to ensure adolescent participation in all aspects of planning and implementation.

PRIORITY ACTIVITIES, 2002-2003:

• Develop a contextually specific communication strategy and information package for Indian adolescents using participatory research methodology based on the scientific facts provided on prevention of HIV/AIDS. RTK will pay particular attention to the issue of gender relations and to the right of adolescents to access vital information, services and networks that can support them in making informed choices.
• RTK will increase the capacity of local organizations and youth in the areas if participatory research, communication strategy development, implementation and evaluation.
• RTK will be designed and implemented in close collaboration with other UN agencies, selected local youth organizations and NGOs.

PARTNERS and LINKAGES

• National advisory group: government, research institutions, NGO coordination, UN and bilateral partners and youth representatives to provide input into strategies and protocols.
• Management/coordination Group: Youth, key stakeholders, UNICEF focal points, research partners and implementers (MAMTA, etc). The NGO MAMTA has 101 youth NGO partners; these networks may helpful in facilitating youth participation.

KEY ACCOMPLISHMENTS TO DATE

• Request for proposals for research institution
• Co-ordination at the regional, national and state level to seek youth input into the formation of an RTK plan of action.