Operation Lighthouse

Operation Lighthouse is a follow-on project to the AIDSMark Project, and specifically targets core at-risk groups, including sex workers and their clients in and around major ports, which also includes truck drivers through 4 mobile and 9 stationary VCT centers.

Objectives
  • Reduce STI/HIV prevalence in 12 intervention sites in India
  • Reduce HIV risk through promotion of safer sexual behavior among high-risk groups
  • Increase the utilization of VCT, STI, and Helpline services among high-risk groups
  • Increase the availability of condoms through non-traditional outlets
  • Improve the environment for sustainable programs

Operation Lighthouse uses a behavior change approach, coupled with a monitoring and evaluation component, to implement its program. The behavior change approach centers on educating, raising risk perception, and promoting services, while monitoring and evaluation focuses on behavioral tracking of indicators, counting of sales and services, and where to implement mass media. Operation Lighthouse also provides training and service promotion activities.

Operation Lighthouse has reached 490,000 individuals practicing high-risk behavior over the last quarter. Two media campaigns promoting the Saadhan Voluntary Counseling and Treatment Services (VCT) clinics and the Saadhan helpline are in the cities of Mumbai, Vashi, Chennai, and Vizag. The Helpline is also implemented in Kolkata. The Saadhan VCT clinic campaign strives to provide a confidential personalized risk-reduction plan for clients. The helpline is promoted as a one-stop shop, which provides information, counseling, and referrals on issues related to HIV/AIDS. Additionally, Operation Lighthouse has continued a STI franchise program in Mumbai and Thane and a condom social marketing program.

A Behavior Change Impact Survey in targeted areas found a significant barrier in condom usage due to the perceived inability to put on condoms in the dark. In Vashi, fun month-long events to build skills on using condoms in the dark were promoted. Event participants were blindfolded in branded tents and performed condom demonstrations on a wooden penis. Participants who correctly demonstrated how to put on a condom were given tokens of appreciation. The month long event culminated in a large event, the Saadhan Mela.