Aahung
Aahung was founded in 1995 by a group of individuals, to facilitate
the implementation of two community based projects, Karachi
Reproductive Health Project (KRHP-1994) and AIDS Awareness Program
(AAP- 1997). The projects aimed to improve the sexual health
status of women and adolescents in four low-income urban communities,
and reduce their vulnerability to HIV/AIDS.
After directly serving the community for 5 years, Aahung staff
realised the great demand and need for sexual health information
and services. Research in these communities demonstrated that
men, women and qualified health care providers had several myths
and misconceptions about sexual health related issues. For example,
99% of women stated that all types of vaginal discharge was
a sign of disease. Similarly, health care providers were treating
normal vaginal discharge as sexually transmitted infections.
This type of misdiagnosis and wrong information caused a lot
of stress in marital relations, leading to depression and an
economic burden due to unnecessary treatment. The WHO protocol
which was being used by most health care providers was also
found to be inaccurate as it was leading to over treatment.
To discuss complicated and sensitive issues surrounding sexual
health and rights, Aahung adopted a rights-based approach and
developed culturally appropriate methodology to educate and
counsel women, men and adolescents and empower them to make
better sexual and reproductive health choices and practice safer
behaviours. Similarly, the Aahung medical team developed a new
and improved protocol for managing reproductive tract infections
and sexually transmitted infections. They realised the need
for a client centered approach to health care and developed
the language and skills to take a comprehensive sexual history
and counsel clients with sexual health problems.
In order to meet the great demand for sexual health information
and services, Aahung has emerged as a resource organisation,
whose aim it is to link up with larger organisations and help
them integrate sexual health services into the scope of their
work. Today Aahung is a considered a leading expert in the field
of SRHR and is called upon by many organisations to train their
staff on sexual health and rights issues. Our manuals, protocols,
guidelines and information materials are used by organisations
all over the country. Aahung has successfully integrated sexual
health education and services into large reproductive health
organisations, schools, medical universities, nursing colleges
and government outreach programs. |