Following the successes of participation in 2011 Khareef Salalah Festival, and 2012 Muscat festival, the UNFPA GCC Area Office in Muscat began their participation in the Khareef Salalah Festival from the 5th to the 14th of July, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health HIV section, and the MOH National Committee for Narcotics and Psychotropic Substances, with participants from the Y-PEER Oman and Y-PEER Bahrain networks.

This participation is set to be the biggest and most exciting one yet, raising awareness not only in the core mandate of the UNFPA - Reproductive health for all, but also issues related to birth spacing, HIV and the growing population. The participation of these two vital sections of the MOH means together with the UNFPA a greater number of people can be reached and the message of healthy living and awareness on HIV and Drug Abuse can be delivered to all.

The Y-PEERs will also make use of their newly acquired skills in Puppetry Theatre following the successful Training of Trainers which took place in May 2012, with daily short shows relating to the UNFPA mandate, to be performed inside the area. For the first time, there will also be participants from the Y-PEER Bahrain network established with the help of the UNFPA GCC Area Office in Muscat, which will add colour and a unique flair to the activities. The activities are interactive and educational, in true "edutainment" Y-PEER methodology, and there will be UNFPA/MOH staff and Y-PEERs on hand to answer any questions.

Join the UNFPA and partners at their venue located close to the Wilayat stage daily from 5pm - 11pm daily.

For photos on the activitiy, please visit the Y-PEER Facebook page