UNDP Gambia Interventions in HIV/AIDS

UNDP has been supporting the Government of the Gambia in the fight against HIV/AIDS for more than a decade. The overall goal of the UNDP HIV/AIDS project in The Gambia is to support policy development and strengthen national capacities and partnerships in a sustainable manner that not only helps alleviate the disease but also reduce poverty. The strategic objectives of the project (GAM/99/001/01/NEX), are:

1. Support to AIDS and Malaria Control (1999-2003):

The objectives of the project, GAM/99/001/01/NEX, Support to AIDS and Malaria Control which was implemented from 1999 to 2003 are as follows:

·        Strengthen capacity at Central and Divisional levels for HIV/AIDS and malaria Prevention and Control

·        Increase public awareness in the prevention of HIV/AIDS and Malaria

·        Establish baseline data on HIV prevalence in antenatal Women in the Gambia

·        Support programmes to Children Affected by AIDS, Food Nutrition Programmes

·        Poverty eradication  - skills training and income generating activities

·        Provision of more support to People Living with HIV AIDS (PLWHA)

·        Greater involvement of NGOs

      Achievements:

The major achievements during the period of implementation are as follows:

·        Awareness raising:

-         Support to AIDS and Malaria Control Programme, funded by UNDP contributed to raising awareness of HIV/AIDS in The Gambia.  The project funded the hiring of billboards with HIV/AIDS prevention messages, in strategic places throughout the country. 

-         HIV/AIDS messages were also broadcast during strategic programmes, such as soap operas and television dramas, in addition to radio and television spots HIV/AIDS prevention.

-          Information, Education and Communication materials have been produced in English and translated into Arabic for the Arabic Schools. 

-         Between 35-50  women and youth groups supported

-         The project was highly instrumental in putting HIV/AIDS in the National Agenda. A National AIDs Secretariat was established, and being supported by the World Bank. There is a high level of government commitment to the problem of HIV/AIDS.

-         Due to use of NGOs in project implementation and use of local artists to reach communities, there is increased awareness within the general public and among various groups (especially youth groups) on the causes and consequences of STDs, HIV/AIDS. The project trained various staff who now work at decentralized level.

-         A socio-cultural study was conducted to serve as the basis for advocacy for prevention of HIV AIDS in the Gambia.

It is important to note that a high level of awareness was created through the National AIDS Control Programme (NACP). In terms of potential impact, it is believed that the awareness created would towards reducing misconceptions about the HIV AIDS.

·        To strengthen capacity at Central and Divisional levels for HIV/AIDS and Malaria. 

·        To increase public awareness in the prevention of HIV/AIDS and Malaria Control.

·        To establish baseline data on HIV prevalence in antenatal Women in the Gambia

·        Support programmes to Children Affected by AIDS, Food Nutrition Programmes

·        Poverty eradication  - skills training and income generating activities

·        Provision of more support to People Living with HIV AIDS (PLWHA)

·        Greater involvement of NGOs

In partnership with the government of The Gambia, the project succeeded in raising greater awareness of HIV/AIDS in The Gambia through workshops and seminars targeting all sectors of society, HIV/AIDS prevention messages posted on billboards, television and radio spots, and soap operas .  

·        Support to People Living with HIV/AIDS.

-         The project funded a HIV and Development Workshop for policy makers at which the first Gambian People Living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHAs) went public. 

-         Due to provision of the services of a UNV social worker/counsellor to coordinate the PLWHAs support group, they reached out to more PLWHAs.

-         Support to the Santa Yalla Society (PLWHA organization), ensured that members are provided for in terms of basic needs. They also fully participated in awareness campaigns. Santa Yalla association was also fully supported for income generating activities, basic needs and participation in meetings

-         Stepping Stones has now expanded into other areas

·        Capacity building:

-         Capacity building and sustainability: Relevant staff from the Department of State for Health were trained on various technical fields. Support to the NACP is based on use of available facilities rather than creating new ones. Due recognition is also given to the decentralisation process during implementation of the project.

-         The project also funded the procurement of more than $50,000.00 worth of HIV Test-Kits to ensure blood safety, thus reducing possibilities of transmission through blood transfusions.  

o       Assistance was also provided to the Malaria Control Programme through the provision of IEC materials, provision of bed nets for women and children. 200 drums of Perimetrin procured for country-wide distribution. 2 sensitization workshops were held on malaria and development held

o       Testing facilities provided for 4 Hospitals (Royal Victoria Teaching Hospital, Bansang, APRC, Bwiam) and 4 Health Centers (Serrekunda, Basse, Soma and Kuntaur).

o       30 Workshops for health care personnel on safe handling of blood have been held. 5 Technicians trained. 2 seminars were held with participants country-wide. Laboratory staff were also trained to provide support to RVH and at Health Center level. 

2. Strengthening the Response to HIV/AIDS at the District Level, with special Emphasis on Community Income-Generating Activities (GAM/03/002/01/99):

This project was recently signed between the government of the Gambia and UNDP, with UNOPS as a Cooperating Agency. The period spans 2003-2005. However major will actually commence in 2004. The project objectives are outlined below: 

Objectives:

·        To support and complement efforts by the Gambian government and civil society to more effectively address the HIV/AIDS epidemic through a combination of national- and community-level activities and services.

·        To move the focus of HIV/AIDS prevention, sensitisation, and support to the local level by combining poverty reduction and income-generating efforts into a more synergistic approach to preventing and treating the disease.

·        To consolidate HIV testing services at third and second level of public health services and HIV/AIDS projects at community level

·        Increase public awareness in the prevention of HIV/AIDS

In order to achieve the above objectives, the following activities will be undertaken:

o       Provision of rapid HIV testing equipment to ensure a constant supply at country level

o       Organisation of refresher training of health care personnel in the safe handling of blood

o       Conduct an appraisal of barriers for a sustainable constant supply of HIV testing equipment in the health services if so needed

o       Signing of memoranda of understanding with various NGOs for income generation activities/care/awareness raising such as: Stepping Stones Consortium, Hands on Care project and BAFROW

Consolidate the activities of the Santa Yalla Association through capacity building of the management structures and support, transportation, stationary and other facilities for the regular meetings