The Caribbean Social Marketing (CARISMA) Project for HIV and AIDS Prevention and Reproductive Health Promotion

CURRENT PROJECT

Funded by the German Development Bank (KfW) and the Caribbean Community Secretariat (CARICOM), the Caribbean Social Marketing (CARISMA) Project for HIV and AIDS Prevention and Reproductive Health Promotion is a social marketing project that aims to improve access to and use of reproductive and sexual health products and services in the Dominican Republic. This three-year project is managed by FHI 360 and local partner PROFAMILIA—the Dominican affiliate of the International Planned Parenthood Federation. 

The Caribbean has the highest incidence of sexually transmitted infections, including HIV, outside sub-Saharan Africa. Approximately 80 percent of all HIV cases in the Caribbean are reported on the island of Hispaniola, which is home to both the Dominican Republic and Haiti. In addition, pregnancy rates for adolescent women in the Dominican Republic are high, with an estimated 23 percent of women aged 15 to 19 reporting having been pregnant at least once.

The goal of the CARISMA project is to reduce the burden of unwanted pregnancies and HIV/AIDS in the Dominican Republic.  The specific project objectives are to:

• Postpone first pregnancy in adolescents
• Increase spacing between pregnancies and reducing unwanted pregnancies
• Improve consistent use of reversible family planning methods and contraceptives
• Reduce transmission of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) including HIV

Strategy

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Improving sexual and reproductive health requires a sustainable health model that integrates multiple players and sectors, in-depth knowledge of the local context, and use of the latest technologies and approaches in behavior change communication.

Public-Private Partnerships

The CARISMA Project engages multiple partners from the commercial sector, nongovernmental organizations, and the public sector in an integrated and holistic approach that addresses condom and contraceptive supply, promotion, distribution, and affordability. The project works with the commercial sector to increase promotion of and access to free condoms to high-risk populations e.g. commercial sex workers (CSWs) and their clients. Project initiatives are intended to complement the efforts of the government, and those of family planning/reproductive health organizations operating in the Dominican Republic.

Targeted Outreach and Social Marketing

CARISMA uses an integrated marketing strategy to promote healthy sexual behaviors, such as  correct and consistent condom use, to target audiences. Family planning and sexual health messages will be disseminated through a mass media campaign, outreach activities, and other communication methods.

Making contraceptives widely available and affordable

PROFAMILIA procures, packages, and markets condoms and hormonal contraceptives, including its own Perla® oral contraceptive brand, and PSI's Panté® condoms. These products are distributed through both commercial outlets and non-traditional channels, providing affordable alternatives to users who cannot afford commercial brands or prefer to obtain contraceptives outside pharmacies.

Empowering and Educating At-Risk Populations

The project provides contraceptives and condoms to commercial sex workers (CSW) through a strategic alliance with the Center for Promotion and Human Solidarity (CEPROSH). Under the CARISMA project, this partner organization will work to educate CSWs about family planning and HIV/AIDS prevention methods, empowering them to protect their health and the health of their clients.

News, Publications, and Results

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Publications

• HIV and AIDS Fact Sheet (PDF, 700kb)
• Family Planning and Reproductive Health Fact Sheet (PDF, 496kb)

Contacts

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Mario L Quijada Private Sector Manager  PROFAMILIA  Calle Socorro Sánchez No. 160  Gazcue, Santo Domingo, DN  +809 689-0141  mlquijada@fhi360.org

Tara Geiger Project Director 1825 Connecticut Avenue NW Washington, DC 20009 +1 (202) 884-8334 tgeiger@fhi360.org