AEGiS-15IAC: Multisectoral and integrated strategies work best for mitigating the impact of HIV/AIDS on children, households and communities: Lessons from one of Uganda's first multisectoral and integrated programs.

15th International AIDS Conference

Bangkok, Thailand - July 11-16, 2004

Multisectoral and integrated strategies work best for mitigating the impact of HIV/AIDS on children, households and communities: Lessons from one of Uganda's first multisectoral and integrated programs.

Int Conf AIDS 2004 Jul 11-16; 15:(abstract no. D10356)

Dombo M
Family Health, Suite 700, Arlington VA 22201, United States

ISSUES: HIV/AIDS affects the entire livelihood framework of survival, development and sustenance In order to increase the impact of the interventions, as many aspects of this framework should be targeted. The manner in which these interventions are interwoven and implemented, determines the success of the project, and the quality of services. Program implementers should be as concerned about the quality of outcomes as they are about the successful.

DESCRIPTION: When HIV/AIDS first struck the communities of Rakai district in Uganda, in 1983, very little could be projected of the impact it could have on the livelihoods (production, participation, future planning, community support etc.) of the people. By 1989, the impact was felt in all sectors of life. From 1989, the communities, supported by donors and NGOs, were able to reverse the negative effects of HIV/AIDS on the communities. One such project was the integrated and multisectoral project, implemented by World Vision using funds from the Government of Uganda and the World Bank.

LESSONS LEARNED: If programs are integrated and multisectoral, they receive greater support and participation from the community and they are likely to have a greater impact and chance for sustainability. Timely and integrated interventions can lead to a near reversal of the negative impact unleashed by HIV/AIDS. It is the collective contributions that really create the difference.

RECOMMENDATIONS: Effective community mobilization is essential for successful program implementation We do not need to have perfect conditions to start implementing programs; much of the expertise needed will be acquired along the way. Programs aimed at reversing the tide of the impact of HIV/AIDS, should be multisectoral and integrated.

Keywords: AEGIS, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, HIV Seropositivity, HIV Infections, Uganda, Health Planning, Health Planning Guidelines, United Nations, Work, Government, Financial Management, Government Programs, Child, Humans, economics

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