UNICEF is evaluating a pilot peer-to-peer program in India, where children across the country learn about HIV and then teach their friends about the virus, the Times of India reports (timesofindia.com, 5/29).

The program—part of a larger UNICEF effort in 400 villages across 25 Indian districts—sponsors workshops held in Bangalore, India’s third-largest city, that focus on improving child educators’ knowledge of HIV/AIDS and their ability to teach other children.

“Young people may prefer to talk to and listen to other youngsters on HIV/AIDS problems,” a UNICEF spokesperson said. “If we find it is effective…we will make youth intervention in HIV/AIDS a national project.”