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BAMAKO, Mali, Aug. 22, 2003 — The Malian Prevention du SIDA sur les Axes Migratoires de l'Afrique de L'Ouest (PSAMAO) initiative has used an unconventional method to reach large groups of its target audience, migrant populations at risk for HIV/AIDS. Camion PSAMAO, a 20-ton truck decorated with the signs, logos and slogans from the Roulez Protégé and 100% Jeune campaigns, has made three tours, spreading HIV/AIDS prevention information to an estimated 16,000 people along the migratory axis of Mali. PSI/Mali's interventions complement the Ministry of Health's efforts to reduce the HIV/AIDS infection rate along the migratory axis by targeting bus and truck drivers, their apprentices, roadside vendors, commercial sex workers and youth aged 15-24. This integrated program has many different components, of which the PSAMAO element of the U.S. Agency for International Development funded Corridors of Change project was launched in August 2001 through the inauguration of Roulez Protégé billboards and a targeted campaign that has had significant results. Camion PSAMAO was developed as the result of a PSI/Mali effort to consolidate resources and impact by organizing a multimedia information, education, communication (IEC) campaign using different methods of communication. This mobile approach allowed PSI/Mali to reach the maximum number of people along the Malian axis. An experienced team equipped with communication techniques and methods carried out the IEC campaign using key chains, T-shirts, posters, stickers and brochures. A total of 16,000 people were reached at 23 sites with key messages from PSI/Mali in record time thanks to the Camion PSAMAO. At each site a day of communication was held that spread STI/HIV/AIDS awareness messages. The activities of the IEC campaign focused on the following objectives: — Yaya Coulibaly, PSI/Mali
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