The social commercial strategy implies the promotion and use of contraceptive methods through behavioral change with prior awareness of the importance of it by the population. This is achieved through sensitization of the user with informative sessions, workshops and written materials offered at universities, high schools, and other organizations that request them or that APPRENDE identifies previously through its community health promoters. FARMAGE is the organization that supports and distributes the different contraceptive supplies.
Also, emphasis is placed on disseminating information through the following programs:
Counseling Program: This program provides information to prevent unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). This is achieved following different modalities:
- (a) Through a toll free number: 0-800-13342 answered by an obstetrician and a graduated in sociology. They provide information regarding contraceptive methodology and sexuality, evaluation of the risk of unplanned pregnancies and STIs with medical and psychological referrals. During the weekends and evening hours the line is automated, providing information about contraceptive methods.
- (b) On line: through consejeria@apprendeacuidarte.com.pe. Messages are also sent to cell phones to disseminate and promote the counseling services.
- (c) In Person: during information sessions and events such as parades and/or fairs, where risk situations are evaluated through an interview.
Information and Education Program (IEC): This program provides information for young people and adults through educative activities and workshops, in educational centers, work places, and the community. There is also a website: http://www.apprendeacuidarte.com.pe through which information about female and male sexuality, contraceptive methods and STIs is offered. The website also includes a medical directory of gynecologists, obstetricians, psychologists, especial services for young adolescents, pharmacies and health care centers. It is very user-friendly, providing the name of the health care provider, his/her specialty, address, and phone number. The doctors, pharmacies, and health care centers included in this directory have an agreement with APPRENDE.
There is also an interchange of information through an interactive blog: apprendeblogspot.com where diverse topics regarding sexuality are covered, answering the users’ questions. Additionally, there are also videos that can be visualized at: http://www.youtube.com/apprende
APPRENDE knows the importance of social interaction using technology, therefore, it promotes the use of social networking. It utilizes facebook: http://www.facebook.com/apprende, hi5: http://apprende.hi5.com/friend/p513417145--Apprende_Peru--html , and twitter:
http://twitter.com/apprendeperu.
