Mission Cuba

Strategic links with Venezuela and an increasingly lucrative tourist economy have allowed Cuba to maintain relative stability despite shortages and tropical storms. On the other hand, the HIV/AIDS transmission prevention system, which made Cuba the Caribbean state least affected by the epidemic, is being affected more and more by the deepening inequalities and the explosion of prostitution.

Café Salud - HIV/AIDS prevention

Centro Habana, Havana

Activities:

The Café Salud project is aimed at preventing HIV/AIDS and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in the working- class areas of Centro Habana. It mainly targets 15 to 25 year olds, the group most affected by the epidemic in Cuba. The project trains health promoters amongst young people and they spread awareness, information and STD prevention messages in the various districts. It is based on a reception and activity centre, the Café Salud, which organises dynamic epidemic prevention activities (theatre, karaoke, etc) and also visits the different districts to raise awareness amongst the whole population of Centro Habana. The Cuban public health partners associated with the project are involved in the programmes so that it can continue in the long term.

Outlook:

• Consolidate information, education and communication activities in Café Salud by reinforcing the promoters' training.
• Make the project ongoing by supporting the Cuban partners already involved in running Café Salud.
• Attempt to reproduce the project in other provinces in the country in partnership with the health authorities.

July 2006