The Myanmar Red Cross Society has been using Peer Education methodology to pass Reproductive Heath (RH) messages for "youth by youth"  aged 15 to 24 years, and women of reproductive age. ‘Youth to youth’ programming builds on the globally accepted UNICEF curriculum that educates young people in life skills, reproduction health, HIV and AIDS prevention. The project sponsors Peer Education for Reproductive Health (PERH) groups and counseling to promote informed decision-making and responsible sexual behavior among young people, especially those at high risk.

‘Youth to Youth’ is part of the Public-Private Partnerships to Expand Reproductive Health Choices and Services (PERCS) supported by Family Planning International Assistance (FPIA). The three partners in PERCS are the Department of Health Maternal-Child Health/Birth Spacing Section, the MRCS and Myanmar Medical Association. MRCS has been implemented the ‘Youth to Youth: Peer Education for Reproductive Health Project’ with UNFPA funding since August 2006 in four townships.        

Components and Activities

Specific Objective
To enable adolescents and youth to exercise their reproductive rights and make informed decisions about their Sexual Reproductive Health (SRH) in project townships of Myanmar.

Activities  
-     Informal and formal peer education on RH
-     Counseling and referral service
-     IEC and condom distribution (not sales) to youth
-     Trained volunteers for peer education and sustain PE activities within township
-     RH multiplier education sessions for youth and community
-     Outreach activities and follow-up visit.

Target beneficiaries
Youth and women of reproductive age

Timeline
2000 – Ongoing

Target Areas (location)
Yangon Division
(North Okkalapa Township, Shwe Pyi Thar Township, Hle gu Township)

Ayeyawady Division
(Maubin Township, Pyar Pon Township)

Bago Division
(Daik-U Township, Latpadan Township)

Magway Division
(Minbu Township, Myaing Township)

Partners
Funding          
2002 – 2006 Planned Parenthood Federation of America International
2006 – 2008  United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA)

Collaborative
The Department of Health Maternal-Child Health/Birth Spacing Section
Myanmar Medical Association