Abstract Book Vol. 2 [International Conference on AIDS (14th: 2002: Barcelona, Spain)]

204 Abstracts WePeE6471-WePeE6475

XIV International AIDS Conference

and the eight steps recognized to be essential for building and sustaining a network against AIDS/HIV. Based on personal observation and experience & as former secretary of Sudan AIDS Network [SAN] & member of its executive board the
author would then analyze SAN's experience against that baseline requirements
for effective networking.
Lessons learned:Establishment of a Sudanese voluntary network against AIDS
has led to increased awareness about the problem and enhanced commitment
for action by the network members.
Recommendations: This experience suggests that more and more voluntary
workers and organizations, if not all, should join the network of similar networks
& also recommends specific solutions of more effective networking processes.
Presenting author: Asim Hussein, P.O. Box 1937, Khartoum, sudan, Sudan, Tel.:
[phone], Fax: [phone], E-mail: [email protected]
WePeE6471I National Meeting of People with HIV/AIDS:
Breaking the Isolation and Giving a Stronger Voice
to PWHA
D. Marguari, S. Okta. Spiritia Foundation, Jakarta, Indonesia
Issue: People with HIV/AIDS (PWHAs) in Indonesia are widely dispersed and
many are isolated. Currently there is no support system and thus PLWAs find
difficulty in obtaining information and assistance, including peer support. Most
of the provinces do not have support groups or non-governmental organizations
(NGOs) that offer support. Rarely are programs client-oriented, increasing the
feelings of isolation felt by PWHAs. High levels of stigmatization make it difficult
for PWHAs to trust other people, including peers.
Description: Spiritia organized a meeting of PWHAs from various places in Indonesia. The main objective was to provide a safe environment and to support
exchanges between PWHAs, including discussion of their problems. Most participants were identified through go-betweens. The meeting was held in September
2001, with 34 participants from 11 provinces. The meeting also included families
or companions. Also addressed was joint advocacy regarding matters raised by
participants.
Lessons learned: Direct meetings of this nature increase self confidence, reduce feelings of isolation and open access to services which are required, such
as information on medical and complementary treatment, legal matters, spiritual
support, etc. PWHAs can identify collective issues and develop a stronger voice
to raise these issues compared with an individual approach.
Recommendations: Meetings like this should become routine, because HIV
prevalence is increasing and more people are open about their infection, thus
increasing the call for learning opportunities. The relationships which are formed
by the meetings must be nurtured so that the network can thrive, becoming less
dependant on such meetings.
Presenting author: Daniel Marguari, Jalan Radio IV No.10, Kebayoran Baru,
Jakarta 12130, Indonesia, Tel.: [phone], Fax: [phone], E-mail:
[email protected]
WePeE6472 The regional AIDS training network (RATN):
a successful model for best practices in capacity
development
L.J. Gelmon, A. Ndiritu, P Mbogoh-Nyamu, J. Makokha, J.J. Bwayo. University
Nairobi/University Manitoba, P..O.Box 16035, 00100 GPO, Nairobi, Kenya
Issues: The need for providing improved training and support to health and allied workers has long been recognised as a necessary and basic step in the
development/delivery of any prevention/treatment intervention against HIV/AIDS
in Africa.
Description: Since 1997, the Regional AIDS Training Network (RATN) has expanded into a network of nineteen institutions spread over seven countries in
Eastern and Southern Africa. By January 2002, more than 70 training of trainers
(TOT) and training of managers courses had been offered through RATN Partner institutions (PIs), and almost 1000 students from 21 African countries had
been trained. Training has included courses in counselling, supervision, community care, STD care, palliative care, communication skills, policy, advocacy and research methods. Working through regionally-based expert committees, RATN is
at the forefront of emerging training issues, and new courses under development
include topics in mother-to-child-interventions, programme management and the
introduction of ARVs. RATN has provided a vehicle for training institutions in the
region to collaborate, and these linkages have strengthened the capacity of PIs
not only to deliver training, but also to market their courses and act as advocates
for training. Most importantly, long-term followup of alumni has shown that the
majority have been able to utilise their training to improve the work and training
capabilities of themselves and their employing organisations.
Lessons learned: Using the results of needs assessments, learning through
expert committees, and working through regionally-based institutions have been
the main ways in which RATN has been able to successfully develop and deliver

appropriate, timely, and acceptable training courses.
Recommendations: RATN is an example of a successful regionally-based technical resource network, and its lessons could be applied to the development of
similar training networks in other regions.
Presenting author: Lawrence Gelmon, PO.Box 16035, 00100 GPO, Nairobi,
Kenya, Tel.: [phone], Fax: [phone], E-mail: [email protected]

WePeE6473 Importance of common cross border strategy for
HIV/AIDS/STIs prevention
M.R. Neupane, M.R. Chaudhary AMDA/FHI, AIDS Prevention Project, AMDA
Hospital, AIDS Prevention Project, Damak, Jhapa, Nepal, Nepal
Issues: The spread of HIV/AIDS in Nepal is fuelled by socioeconomic factors
within the country and its socioeconomic interrelationship with its neighbor India.
Nepal's long open border with India and its close tie neighbor to the south create
a higher risk environment for transmission in Nepal.
Descriptions: The objective of the cross border HIV/AIDS prevention is to maintain seamless preventive environment for those who cross the border and linger
in check post town. For the above purpose, The Association of Medical Doctor for
Asia/Family Health International has implemented outreach and behavior change
intervention in the eastern Nepal as well as the border community. During the
period (11 Oct '99 to 31 Dec '01), this project performed Behavior Change Intervention for female sex workers and their clients with the coordination of Indian
NGOs named West Bangal Bigyan Munch and Bhoruka well fare Trust. More than
500 females who are involved in illegal export/import activities, found at high risk
of HIV because of their active sexual behavior. Among the contacted female sex
workers 42% are from border community as well as the Indian cities like Siliguri
and Panitanki. The project also conducted 2 Syphilis camps for border community and among them 10% cases were found reactive in sex workers. More than
500 rickshaws, 150 truck including taxies cross the border per day. More than
200 buses and trucks stay for 2/3 days waiting their tern. 66% of total clients are
related with border community
Lesson learned: We faced lots of challenges, to create awareness and to implement activities, because of high mobility of target group, continuous financial
transaction, difference in language and legal provision and lack of strong law and
order situation.
Recommendation: Effective, sustainable and common cross border collaborative strategy should be developed between the GOs and NGOs of both countries
for accelerating the message against HIV/AIDS epidemic in responsible way.
Presenting author: Bishow Raman Neupane, AMDA Hospital, AIDS Prevention
Project, Damak, Jhapa, Nepal, Nepal, Tel.: [phone], Fax: [phone],
E-mail: [email protected]
WePeE6474 Defining the role of networking and partnerships
among communities: the experience of uganda
network of aids service organisations (unaso)
R.W. Wamimbi. NGO, Unaso, P0 Box 27346, Kampala
Issues: Networking and partnerships among NGOs/CBOs working with
HIV/AIDS is considered as a best practice in scaling up HIV/AIDS response.
Networking and creation of partnerships enhances information generation and
sharing of locally adopted HIV/AIDS practices, skills development and creation of
a referral support system and advocacy on issues that affect NGOs/CBOs in the
rural communities.
Description: This paper will define the models, which can be used by communities in establishing networks and partnerships among NGOs/CBOs in communities based on the case study of Uganda Network of AIDS Service Organisations. This model will involve analysis of the different elements of networking and
partnerships among AIDS Service Organisations. These include Information generation and sharing of locally adopted HIV/AIDS best practices among different
partners, skills development and human capacity development for HIV/AIDS competence among communities, creation of referral system among NGOs in care
and mitigation and creation of alliances for advocacy on issues that affect AIDS
Support organisations and people living with HIV/AIDS.
This presentation is based on the experience and study by the founder members
of a nationwide network that coordinates AIDS Service Organisations so that prevention, quality care and support services are available to all people.
Lessons learnt: Networking and creation of partnerships and synergies enhances comprehensive information sharing and documentation of local HIV/AIDS
best practices among NGOs/CBOs, creation of a referral and skills exchange system among NGOs/CBOs, which has led to improved quality of service delivery.
Recommendations: This study recommends that networks and partnerships
among NGOs/CBOs be created strengthened and supported among communities as best practices and as a means of scaling up HIV/AIDS responses especially in the rural communities.
Presenting author: Richard Wamimbi, Unaso, P O Box 27346, Kampala,
Uganda, Tel.: +256 - 077486507, Fax: [phone], E-mail: unaso
@ africaonline.co.ug
WePeE6475 Effective model to integrate civil society into
multi-sector and responsible spaces regarding
HIV/AIDS decision making

Y.E. Rojas-Aldama1, J. Huerdo-Siqueiros2. 1Protection and Health for Mexicans,
Mexico, Mexico; 2PoSitHIVos for Health and Sexual Diversity, Mexico, Mexico
In Mexico there are many HIV/AIDS non-governmental organizations. This situation has generated several communication problems mainly because of "representative" reasons, which makes difficult to dialogue between the HIV/AIDS responsible decision making sectors. In 1999, an activist group, worried about this
situation created the model: "Civil society work-group for collaboration", which is