About HPI/South Africa

The objective of the USAID | Health Policy Initiative in South Africa (HPI/South Africa) is to build and strengthen the capacity of organizations across all sectors to design, implement, and evaluate HIV policies and programs. By strengthening heath systems across sectors, the Health Policy Initiative facilitates the implementation of other national programs to ensure that the goals and targets of the South African National Strategic Plan for HIV and AIDS/STI 2007-2 011 are met. The project's work also contributes to the U.S. President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) by providing technical assistance to local partners to enhance their ability to participate in the policymaking process. In addition, the project promotes gender equity and mitigation of HIV-related stigma and discrimination. Building on the work initiated under Task Order 1, HPI/South Africa focuses on five program areas: (1) Abstinence/Be Faithful; (2) Condoms and Other Prevention; (3) Palliative Care; (4) Strategic Information; and (5) Other Policy Analysis and Systems Strengthening. In doing so, the project strives to promote HIV policies, plans, and programs; build the capacity of HIV champions and networks; and foster evidence-based decisionmaking. The base period for HPI/South Africa is October 2007-September 2010, with an option period through 2012.

Result 1: HIV Policies, Plans, and Programs

National and local HIV and AIDS policies, plans and programs based on local and international best practices adopted and implemented

HPI/South Africa provides assistance to the host government and local organizations to help them develop and adopt policies that improve access to HIV services and enhance implementation of the National Strategic Plan. With a key focus on policy implementation, the project helps organizations translate policies, strategic plans, and operational guidelines into effective programs and services, especially for the poor and other underserved groups. Capacity building efforts focus on improving multisectoral engagement in the national HIV and AIDS program by assisting stakeholders to develop and implement effective advocacy strategies, facilitating effective planning, increasing the use of strategic information for policy and program development, and strengthening collaboration between government and civil society organizations.

Result 2: Champions and Networks

Effective public sector and civil society champions and networks developed, strengthened, and supported to assume leadership in the policy process

The project provides assistance to foster and strengthen public sector and civil society champions and networks, ensuring that a range of stakeholders at all levels can successfully advocate for policies that address their needs. HPI/South Africa contributes toward meeting the vision outlined in the PEPFAR Strategy for South Africa by mobilizing and training faith-based organizations (FBOs), traditional leaders, and people living with HIV (PLHIV). The project's technical assistance to PLHIV organizations empowers them to advocate for essential care and treatment services and stigma reduction. Trainings for FBOs and traditional leaders equip them with the skills to promote abstinence/be faithful prevention programs in their communities and churches. The project implements stigma-mitigation programs across all nine provinces, working with FBOs, PLHIV, public servants, and members of the media to address HIV-related stigma.

Result 3: Evidence-based Decisionmaking

Timely and accurate data used for evidence-based decisionmaking

Good data provide the basis for effective policy and advocacy work. HPI/South Africa helps stakeholders present data to policymakers in easily-understood ways; adapts, designs, and applies user-friendly tools for data analysis and policy dialogue; and builds the capacity of South African partner organizations to compile and analyze data independently. As part of its technical leadership role, the project makes a special effort to compile and use data on most-at-risk populations (MARPs) and PLHIV and to increase attention to gender issues and gender-based violence. HPI/South Africa engages key stakeholders at national and local levels; assists national and local coordinating bodies to design and implement sound programs and monitoring systems; promotes informed dialogue and enhances access to accurate, relevant information; and strengthens multisectoral collaboration in the national HIV response.

HPI/South Africa is implemented by Futures Group International.