The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #53806

Donna A. Champeau, PhD, CHES, Department of Public Health, Oregon State University, 316 Waldo Hall, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, (541)737-3835, donna.champeau@orst.edu and Marion McNamara, PhD, Office of International Research and Development, Oregon State University, 400 Snell Hall, Corvallis, OR 97331.

The HIV/AIDS crisis in Africa is widely believed to be the most devastating disaster to befall the continent. Botswana and Lesotho are among some of the hardest hit countries. The “Connecting Communities” pilot project, modeled after the APA Behavioral and Social Science Volunteer program (BSSV) was successful in building relationships with CBOs and faculty from in-country Universities. Adaptation of the model included the involvement of CBO members in a joint training with scientists, an expansion of technical assistance personnel to include areas of nursing and management, a breaking down of cultural barriers between university and community members, and the exchange of capacity building technical assistance delivered under an empowerment framework. The project included 4 phases, 1) an in-country needs assessment to determine the extent and structure of HIV/AIDs prevention and care services 2) an in-country collaborative training in which faculty and members of CBOs took lead roles, 3) a US visit and training for 5 selected participants from both countries and 4) an evaluation and follow-up visit to collect information to monitor progress of the program. An expanded model was developed and a minimum level of in-country HIV/AIDS service infrastructure was identified for the successful implementation of the model.

Learning Objectives:

1)Participants will be able to describe what minimum HIV prevention infrastructure is needed in the HIV prevention services community to implement the Connecting Communities capacity building model in two African Countries.
• Participants will gain knowledge about the capacity building technical needs of community based organizations in Botswana and Lesotho Africa.
• Participants will be able to describe the nature and need of volunteer programs as a valuable asset to building capacity in low human resourced countries.

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
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.