Peer Educator Training

Introduction

World AIDS Day has been observed since 1988 not only to increase funding, but also to raise awareness, promote education, and combat discrimination. The significance of this day lies in reminding the public that HIV has not disappeared and that much work remains to be done. It is an opportunity for people around the world to unite in the fight against the spread of HIV/AIDS.

One of the goals of the “Millennium Development” initiative—endorsed by UN member states—was to halt the spread of HIV/AIDS by the end of 2015 and reverse its growth. However, progress toward this goal has been far slower than anticipated. Many political commitments, including those made at the UN General Assembly Special Session on HIV/AIDS in 2001, have yet to be fulfilled. Nevertheless, strong and committed leadership has led to significant advancements in many areas of the global response to HIV/AIDS.

Pioneers in this field are recognized by their innovation, vision, and actions. They become role models and persevere in the face of challenges. Importantly, pioneers are not always administrative officials. To overcome the global AIDS epidemic, leadership must emerge across all sectors—among individuals, schools, families, workplaces, religious institutions, nations, and at the international level.

Problem Statement

According to the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), in 2007, approximately 32.2 million people worldwide were living with HIV. Without effective prevention, an estimated 45 million new cases could occur by 2010.

Based on data collected from Iranian medical universities and healthcare services, and officially reported by the Center for Disease Control at the Ministry of Health (2009), a total of 1,977 individuals had been diagnosed with HIV/AIDS in Iran by July 2009. According to WHO estimates, the actual number of cases may exceed 80,000.

People living with HIV/AIDS face numerous social and cultural limitations. Their experiences are often stressful, and the severe psychological and social consequences of AIDS are recognized as major threats to their overall health. While HIV/AIDS and its primary transmission route—injecting drug use—cannot be eradicated entirely, addressing the psychological, physical, and social aspects of living with HIV/AIDS can improve health outcomes and increase hope for life.

In this context, the role of peer educators—as bridges between service centers and target communities—is vital. This ceremony was held to honor and appreciate the efforts of these dedicated individuals.

About the Organization

Simaye Sabz Rahayi Harm Reduction Institute was founded in 2006 (1385) by a group of passionate individuals, aiming to reduce social harms, uplift community morale, empower vulnerable populations, and prevent the spread of social issues.

With the dedication of its volunteers, the institute launched its activities across various districts of Tehran Province, focusing on education, cultural development, support, and empowerment. This year, the institute established a Positive Club specifically for people living with HIV/AIDS. The club’s activities are exclusively focused on HIV/AIDS prevention and support for those affected. Nearly 60 individuals living with HIV/AIDS are currently covered by the club’s support programs.

Additionally, the club recently launched a halfway house to provide shelter and employment opportunities for homeless women who have tested positive for HIV/AIDS.

The institute has established drop-in harm reduction centers in four high-risk areas of the province to prevent addiction and HIV/AIDS. Six mobile relief teams operate alongside these centers, delivering services in contaminated zones. Another initiative includes the creation of community-based harm reduction hubs, developed in collaboration with Tehran Municipality.

Objectives of the Ceremony

– Appreciation for individuals active in education and outreach to target populations
– Motivation for peer educators to continue their work
– Encouragement for others to become educators
– Attracting support from partner organizations
– Public declaration of solidarity in the fight against HIV/AIDS
– Enhancing interaction between peer educators and relevant officials

Target Audience

As the ceremony was held to honor peer educators, attendees included peer educators, trainers, and representatives from partner organizations.

Program Impact

The event aimed to recognize and reinforce the role of peer educators as vital links between service centers and vulnerable communities, emphasizing their influence in reducing stigma and promoting behavioral change.

Execution of the Event

The ceremony took place on January 29, 2010 (88/11/9) in the amphitheater of the National Welfare Organization. The program began with the Iranian national anthem. The host welcomed the guests and invited Dr. Afshar, Advisor to the Minister of Welfare and Social Security, to speak.

Dr. Afshar emphasized the importance of peer educators and their impactful work. Key points from his speech included:

“The effectiveness of peer educators lies in their shared language and experience, which fosters deeper understanding. Peer education does not require complex skills but relies on trust, allowing individuals to move from information to insight. One of its key benefits is promoting behavioral substitution—replacing harmful behaviors with healthier ones—and strengthening the connection between harm reduction centers and affected individuals.”

He also noted that stigma and discrimination are major reasons for dropout among HIV/AIDS support program participants. Dr. Afshar concluded by thanking the Welfare Organization for supporting all active centers and expressing gratitude to all attendees.

Following his speech, Dr. Rezazadeh, Secretary of the HIV/AIDS Prevention and Control Committee, was invited to speak. He expressed pride in taking responsibility for public health and began his remarks with a summary of recent developments and achievements.

Peer Educator Recognition Ceremony
Simaye Sabz Rahayi Harm Reduction Institute

Background

Until 1995 (1374), HIV/AIDS was not considered a major public health issue in Iran. However, with the rise of injection drug use in prisons, the spread of the virus accelerated sharply. In response, organizations such as the Welfare Organization, the Prison Organization, and universities began developing strategies to address the issue. Key interventions included adopting social and psychological approaches to addiction, promoting harm reduction thinking, establishing drop-in centers and shelters, and training peer educators.

In the second phase of the initiative, over a period of 2–3 years, a network of peer educators was developed, now comprising more than 200 trainers nationwide. In Iran, people who inject drugs and other substance users tend to have more knowledge about HIV/AIDS, reflecting the emphasis placed on peer education.

Speeches and Presentations

Following this, Dr. Dorouei, National Coordinator for UN Joint Programs on HIV/AIDS in Iran, delivered a speech. He began by sharing recent global statistics:

“According to the latest data released just a week ago, global HIV cases have decreased by 17% between 2001 and 2008. In Iran, the rate of new HIV infections among injection drug users has slowed, thanks to harm reduction efforts, syringe and needle distribution, and the active role of program participants.”

The host then welcomed several distinguished guests, including:

– Dr. Nakhast, Coordinator of Addiction Prevention Projects at the UN Office on Drugs and Crime
– Dr. Namdari, Senior HIV/AIDS Expert at the Ministry of Health
– Dr. Ehtesami, Head of Research and Development at the Welfare Organization’s Cultural and Prevention Department

The program continued with a speech by Ms. Mitra Sadeghi, a peer educator from Simaye Sabz Rahayi. She shared her journey of becoming a peer educator, her training experience, and concluded with a heartfelt personal story.

Live music was performed by Mr. Parsa. The host then welcomed Ms. Khanqah Panah, UNDP Project Coordinator, and invited guests to enjoy refreshments.

After the break, Dr. Namdari gave a speech, followed by another peer educator, Mr. Parsa, who shared his personal experiences with HIV and his journey through education and advocacy.

The final speaker was Dr. Nafarieh, Deputy of Cultural and Prevention Affairs at the Welfare Organization, who addressed the audience on HIV/AIDS prevention and support.

Award Ceremony

Following a musical performance by Mr. Ali Najafpour and another guest, the host invited Dr. Rezazadeh, Dr. Nafarieh, and Ms. Khanqah Panah to the stage to present awards to selected peer educators.

Honored Trainers:
1. Dr. Mohammad Reza Ghasemi
2. Mr. Habib Bahrami
3. Ms. Damarchi
4. Mr. Abbas Tofighi
5. Mr. Mojtaba Lashkari
6. Mr. Abbas Nosratabadi
7. Mr. Mohkam

Honored Peer Educators from Payam Avaran Hamyari and Simaye Sabz Rahayi:
1. Mr. Jalal Hosseini
2. Mr. Amir Rezaei
3. Mr. Mohammad Abdollahi
4. Mr. Mohammad Taremi
5. Mr. Majid Taheri
6. Mr. Mostafa Vazini
7. Ms. Elham Vakili
8. Ms. Mitra Sadeghi
9. Ms. Ghalehgarzadeh
10. Ms. Shahnaz Sheibani

After the awards, another peer educator shared their experiences and contributions to education. The ceremony concluded with another live music performance and a speech by Mr. Khodaverdi, a peer educator. Guests were then invited to lunch at 2:00 PM.