In 1991 the Physicians Forum for Family Planning (PFFP) conducted a random survey of PPs' knowledge, attitudes and beliefs about AIDS, prior to establishing an awareness programme among them in 1992. The survey found low levels of knowledge about HIV/AIDS: 48% did not know what AIDS stood for, and 68% were unaware of the meaning of HIV; none could identify all three modes of HIV transmission; 33% knew contaminated needles could transmit HIV, but none knew about perinatal transmission.

A workshop was designed to improve HIV/AIDS awareness among PPs, concentrating on transmission, risk factors, clinical signs and symptoms, HIV prevention, HIV and contraception, the role of the private practitioners in prevention and care, and counselling.

By the end of September 1993, 398 PPs had participated in the training workshops. When pre and postworkshop awareness were compared, correct answers had increased from 45 to 95%. Two problem areas were convincing participants that kissing was not risky and helping them distinguish between HIV infection and AIDS. Interactive discussions and slide talks were particularly popular, the latter being used to provide common understanding and reduce embarrassment before the discussions.

The focus on the role of the private practitioners was also popular and led to the identification of two key areas for follow-up for those interested: counselling on sexuality, and clinical care for and counselling people with HIV/AIDS.

A postintervention evaluation in 1994 showed a significant impact of the training workshops on the clinical practice of PPs. All were offering onetoone counselling to patients with STDs and high-risk behaviour for HIV/STDs. All had placed AIDS education posters in their consulting rooms and waiting rooms. The PPs and their clients suggested these educational posters should also be displayed in drug stores, supermarkets and other public places. The evaluation has provided a good foundation for PFFP to plan future AIDS and sexual health strategies.