To accomplish an effective intervention scheme, GSMF targeted all regular users of the transport station as their behaviours impact on each other in a way that the consequence may be of little value, if any one group were favoured over the rest of the groups. It is in this regard that GSMF designed the commercial drivers programme dubbed Drive Protected.
The objectives of the campaign were to increase the number of audience members who report consistent condom use with non-regular partners, increase the number of audience members who know the symptoms and source of treatment of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) and its relationship with HIV/AIDS transmission, increase the number of audience members who reduce the number of sex partners, increase the risk perception on HIV/AIDS of the target audience, and increase condom sales.
Objectives were drawn from the results of a baseline survey conducted in the transport stations. The survey aimed at obtaining a comprehensive view of the reproductive health needs of commercial drivers and other users of the transport stations.
To ensure sustainability and smooth implementation, GSMF had an advocacy session with GPRTU National Executive to brief them about the proposed project, and why commercial drivers were chosen as the main target group. A presentation on HIV/AIDS was made, and GSMF extended an invitation to GPRTU into partnership. An advocacy session was also held with the leadership of the National Service Secretariat (NSS) in order to recruit National Service Personnel to manage the campaign in the various transport stations.
GSMF-GPRTU-NSS Partnership initially selected six transport stations which were Neoplan/Odorna and Tudu stations in the Greater Accra Region, Aboabo station in Tamale, Asafo station Kumasi, Techiman Main Lorry Station in Brong Ahafo and Takoradi Main Lorry Station in the Western Region. In consultation with GPRTU Local Executives, GSMF recruited and trained 187 peer educators from the six stations. They were given a two-day training on topics including Anatomy and physiology of male and female reproductive system, STIs and HIV/AIDS, Condom Usage, Peer Education and Communication skills. To facilitate the work of the Peer Educators, each of them was given a peer educator toolkit.
The peer educators were responsible for educating their peers, engaging in bus talks and organizing talks with the PA system, giving talks on HIV/AIDS during their respective Branch meetings, assisting in the organization of Durbars, Quiz competitions, Film shows etc., branding of the transport stations with Drive Protected stickers and posters, reporting on their activities and progress.
The Drive Protected programme was initially funded by USAID. Phase I was launched at Techiman in November 2000. A credible follow-on survey, which was conducted after a year of intensive education, revealed that, Sex with commercial sex workers in Asafo and Neoplan station dropped from 14% and 22% in the year 2000 to 3% and 2.7% respectively in the year 2001.
In 2000, Neoplan Station reported 22% of drivers had sex with commercial sex workers out of which 81% of the number used condoms. However, in 2001 after intense education, the number of driver patronizing commercial sex workers decreased to 2.7% and all of them used condoms.
Condom use with non-regular partners in Tudu Station rose from 40% in 2000 to 80.8% in 2001
Based on results from the follow on survey and the lessons learned, GSMF became better prepared to extend the campaign to all the ten regions of Ghana. 14 stations were added, which included strategically located border towns like Aflao in the Volta Region, Elubo in the Western Region, and Paga in the Upper East Region. The others were Kaneshie and Tema main stations in the Greater Accra region, Tantri and Kotokoraba stations in the Central Region, Nsawam/Adoagyiri and Koforidua main Lorry Stations in the Eastern Region, Kejetia Lorry Station in the Ashainti Region, Sunyani and Dormaa main Lorry Stations in the Brong Ahafo Region, Ho station in the Volta Region, Bolgatanga Lorry Station in the Upper East Region, and Wa main station in the Upper West Region.
The partnership with NSS led to 12 national service personnel being posted to the new hubs.
A total of 710 additional peer educators were trained, and this time, other groups such as Chop bar keepers, sellers, hawkers etc were given more representation. The training curriculum was also upgraded to include Fertility Management VCT (Voluntary Counselling and Testing)and Journey of Hope (A participatory approach to HIV/AIDS education). A refresher course was organized for existing peer educators to enrich their knowledge with new developments, introduce the Journey of Hope and Fertility Management, and finally to develop new strategies based on lessons learned.
With funding from USAID and DFID, Phase II of the campaign was launched on a national level in May 2002, at Koforidua, after local launches had been held in all the transport stations.
Drive Protected is now fully implemented in 20-25 lorry stations in all the ten regions of Ghana. GSMF has acquired and furnished offices, and stationed managers in all the hubs. Various activities take place daily, which include interpersonal activities such as group education, bus talks, presentations at branch meetings, and use of PA Systems. These activities offer audience members the opportunity to ask questions, make contributions and share their experiences. Film shows, drama, floats, quiz competitions and durbars are held occasionally to add flavour to the campaign. Access to condoms has been improved, with each transport hub having at least 5 condom sales outlets, which are regularly stocked.
The use of mass media activities has been an effective tool in reaching majority of the target audience with HIV/AIDS messages. Stickers and posters have been developed and distributed. Large billboards have been erected on major roads and in the transport stations. There are also spot advertisements on radio and television, and a radio drama series on HIV/AIDS has been developed, all of which complement the interpersonal activities.
To ensure effective monitoring and control of the campaign, peer educators, with the help of their managers, designed a calendar of scheduled activities. To ensure proper coordination, activities were drawn to suit their normal work schedules. Peer educators also have monthly meetings with their managers to report their activities and progress on the number of persons contacted, important issues raised by persons contacted, number of promotional materials distributed and number of STD referrals made (if any). Managers are required to report developments on all HIV/AIDS activities during the month including condom sales to the GSMF representative.
CHALLENGES Like other HIV/AIDS intervention programmes, the commercial drivers programme is faced with challenges; the major challenge being motivation of peer educators. Much as peer educators have accepted the challenge of working voluntarily, they still expect some rewards that are beyond the scope of GSMF. Another challenge is Time. Increasing demands on their profession has reduced their commitment to the campaign. Some peer educators claim that continuous provision of incentive packages will offer some relief to the sacrifice involved in taking time off their normal work schedules to do voluntary work.
