The role of information resource centres in networking AIDS service organisations: a case of Kenya AIDS NGOs Consortium (KANCO).
Int Conf AIDS 2004 Jul 11-16; 15:(abstract no. D10276)
Irungu PN Kenya AIDS NGOs Consortium, Nairobi, Kenya
Information Centres play a vital role in the overall development of the society. Gerald Johnson says, 'The quickest and easiest access to the world's best thoughts is through information centres.' The KANCO resource centre to date has played this role and contributed to building up KANCO as a national network of AIDS Service Organisations (ASOs). KANCO pursues four strategies to build a strong HIV/AIDS network in Kenya including: provision of HIV/AIDS information; establish a networking system to share experiences, resources and promote collaborative effort among ASOs; capacity building to scale up ASOs' services; and policy development and advocacy. The resource centre which was set up in 1994 to provide relevant, up to date and practical HIV/AIDS information to Kenyan ASOs has become the nerve centre of KANCO serving as the point from which members access networking services. KANCO collaborators seeking to understand the functions of the Consortium also do so through the resource centre thus making it the hub for the networking activities of the Consortium. Besides offering information services, the resource centre recruits members through the members'AIDS Information System database (AIS). Through the AIS KANCO liaises with members for networking and Annual General Meetings. The AIS also serves as a mailing list for newsletter Partner. The resource centre also repackages networking information including the Networking guide for NGOs, CBOs and Religious institutions in Kenya and AIDS in Kenya: A directory of AIDS Service Organisations in Kenya. The regional braches facilitate strengthening of networking within provinces through regional technical update/networking meetings. The resource centre is an integral part of the network which creates solidarity through supporting networking activities such as capacity building of members. The way forward for the resource centre is to make it a training and information centre for AIDS service organsiation in Kenya.
Keywords: AEGIS, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, Organizations, Information Centers, Health Resources, HIV Infections, Kenya, Information Services, HIV Seropositivity, Policy Making, Information Systems, organization & administration
