Purpose and Methodology:
In the past two decades, the world has watched HIV/AIDS devastate the peoples of Africa and cripple their economies. The interdependence of economies and the high feasibility of disease transmission across borders combine to render the AIDS problem in Africa a topic of global concern. As such, the consequences of Africa's health crisis are enormous. As efforts have been made to meet the tremendous needs of AIDS-devastated African nations, it has become necessary to coordinate the activities of relief agencies. Such coordination is necessary in order to avoid duplication of efforts and to efficiently target gaps in HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment. This project involves the construction of a needs assessment for six nations that have been ravaged by HIV/AIDS-Botswana, Zimbabwe, Tanzania, Uganda, Namibia, and South Africa. This assessment includes qualitative and quantitative components, involving both an epidemiological survey of HIV/AIDS within each state and an evaluation of local governmental and non-governmental initiatives in the field of HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment.
Recommendations:
Disaster relief is often characterized by chaos in the field brought about by lack of coordination amongst relief organizations. In order to remedy this situation, we recommend a coordinating body to manage all relief efforts. In doing so, this body would establish a database, listing all the major actors in the field and also identify the needs of specific populations, thus creating linkages between organizations to maximize efficiency.
Learning Objectives: N/A
Keywords: HIV/AIDS, Partnerships
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.