15th International AIDS Conference Bangkok, Thailand - July 11-16, 2004

Int Conf AIDS 2004 Jul 11-16; 15:(abstract no. E12787)

Richardson V, Vincent R
Healthlink Worldwide, London, United Kingdom

ISSUES: Information and communication around HIV/AIDS are vital to an effective response to the pandemic. However, they are no magic bullet: both need to be woven appropriately into prevention and treatment initiatives. This means developing appropriate communication approaches with a range of stakeholders, so that information can be sensitively placed into ongoing dialogues. It also means learning from ongoing experience, particularly of those living with and most directly affected by HIV/AIDS, and sharing and building on this learning, to strengthen future initiatives.

DESCRIPTION: This paper looks at the potential role of information and knowledge resource centres in supporting an effective response to the HIV/AIDS pandemic through the example of Source International Information Support Centre and the resource centres of a number of Healthlink Worldwide partners in the South.

LESSONS LEARNED: There is a neglected but vital role for what have been called 'infomediaries' - such as information and knowledge resource centres - who can support the documentation, capturing and sharing of learning, the development of communication approaches and materials, and the skills to adapt existing information for a range of audiences and purposes.

RECOMMENDATIONS: There is a clear need for capacity development and training in information management and knowledge management, in particular the ability to make information and communication practical, relevant, and appropriate. Resource centres have a key role to play in this process.

040711
E12787

Copyright © 2004 - International AIDS Society (IAS). Reproduction of this abstract (other than one copy for personal reference) must be cleared through the IAS.