Creating awareness on HIV/AIDS among self-help group women

We have entered the 21st century which is the Era of AIDS. Since the first case was detected in USA in 1981th, the HIV/AIDS epidemic continues its expansion across the globe. The Human Immuno deficiency Virus (HIV)-the virus that causes AIDS-was identified in 1983. Extensive spread of HIV appears in the late 1970s and early 1980s among men and women with multiple sexual partners in east and central Africa and homosexual and bisexual men in certain urban areas in America Western Europe, Australia and New Zealand. In India the first cases of HIV infection and of AIDS were detected in 1986. SHGs are homogenous group of persons usually not more than 20–25 individuals who join as a voluntary basis in order to undertake the economic activity as thrift. The aim of this study is to create awareness on HIV/AIDS, asses their knowledge on HIV/AIDS, evaluate the knowledge gained. The locale selected for the study was Perinaickenpalayam Panchayat Union, Coimbatore district. 150 SHG women were selected by using Random Sampling Method. Interview Schedule was used to collect required information. The findings of the study are Knowledge gained on reproductive health and sexual hygiene. Knowledge gained on HIV/AIDS. Knowledge gained by SHG women on health programmes for women. AIDS does not discriminate caste, creed, race, and religion, educational or social status. Prevention of AIDS is our joint responsibility. Education and awareness is the only weapon in our hand. Let us accept the challenge to fight against AIDS.