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2010

Task Order 1 of the USAID | Health Policy Initiative Convenes End-of-Project Symposium

On September 20, 2010, the USAID | Health Policy Initiative, Task Order 1, hosted an end-of-project symposium on "Moving from Policy to Action."

The symposium provided an opportunity to share the project's key achievements and lessons learned. Concurrent sessions highlighted approaches for making policy work, achieving equity, using resources wisely, and promoting voice and accountability.

Presentations, videos, and publications from the event are available online.

Citizen Monitoring in Mali: Project Summary

In 2009/10, the Mali Network of People Living with HIV/AIDS (RMAP+) undertook a pilot citizen monitoring project. The project aimed to assess access to health services and experiences with stigma and discrimination, as well as engage people living with HIV (PLHIV) in policy dialogue and monitoring. The pilot project, led by PLHIV, has informed development of an advocacy agenda for RMAP+ and local PLHIV associations. The government has also recognized the approach as an important element of improved governance of the HIV response. As a result, the country's Global Fund grant sets aside funds to expand citizen monitoring nationwide.

CONAES Ensures a Strong Private Sector Voice in Mexico's HIV Response

Since its founding in 2004, the National HIV/AIDS Business Council (CONAES) in Mexico has grown into a strong advocate for a private sector role in the national HIV response. The council has 26 member organizations, reaching about 150,000 employees. Members have adopted HIV and anti-discrimination workplace policies. In recognition of its important role, in October 2009, CONAES was invited to become a voting member of the National AIDS Council Governing Body.

Health Policy Initiative Launches New e-Learning Courses

In partnership with the Global Health e-Learning Center, the Health Policy Initiative, Task Order 1, is pleased to offer two e-learning courses. Topics covered are "HIV Stigma and Discrimination" and "Gender and Sexual and Reproductive Health 101."

Policy Implementation Assessment Tool Now Available

The Health Policy Initiative, Task Order 1, is pleased to announce the launch of the Policy Implementation Assessment Tool. The tool is designed to assist government and civil society advocates to identify facilitators of and barriers to implementation of policies in their countries. With this information, stakeholders can better understand implementation dynamics and devise recommendations for translating health policies into action.

Virtual Communication Network Promotes Contraceptive Security in Latin America and the Caribbean

Throughout Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC), multisectoral Contraceptive Security (CS) Committees are working to address CS issues, including forecasting contraceptive needs and advocating for policy reform to better reach the underserved. A new virtual communication, www.lacdaia.org, has been launched to enable the committees to share experiences, lessons learned, and best practices.

Paths to Leadership for People Living with HIV in the Middle East and North Africa: Project Highlights (Brief)

From 2005–2010, the "Investing in PLHIV Leadership in MENA" initiative strengthened the capacity of people living with HIV (PLHIV) in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region through training, mentoring, and small grants. The initiative sought to build social capital of PLHIV in the region, promote greater investment in PLHIV, and foster policy dialogue and advocacy. On the path to strengthened PLHIV leadership in MENA's HIV response, the initiative has achieved several outcomes. PLHIV are taking steps to form a regional network; women living with HIV have emerged as leaders and are starting support groups for other women affected in the region; and National AIDS Programs have contributed funding to support expansion of PLHIV-led activities in-country. In addition, the initiative has created four curricula (which will be available in English and Arabic) to help build the capacity of PLHIV in the region. This brief reviews highlights of the project; additional details are available in the forthcoming full report.

Declaration Affirms Commitment for Contraceptive Security in Latin America and the Caribbean

In June 2010, leaders from countries across Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) pledged their commitment to ensuring contraceptive security (CS) in the region. Contraceptive security exists when all persons have access to high-quality contraceptives and condoms whenever they need them. Signatories to the declaration, which was drafted and adopted during the Regional CS Conference for LAC, include the host country, Dominican Republic, as well as El Salvador, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Paraguay, and Peru.

In Ethiopia, Engaging Men in Reproductive Health Promotes Progress for All

In celebration of International Women's Day 2010, the USAID | Health Policy Initiative, Task Order 1, supported the Ethiopian government to host an event to draw attention to the importance of engaging men in reproductive health issues to promote progress for all. This story from the field highlights the government's strong commitment to constructive male engagement and recognition that such efforts must work hand-in-hand with programs to empower women and girls.

Health Policy Initiative Shares Tool for Estimating the Impact and Cost of Scaling Up Male Circumcision

The Health Policy Initiative presented experiences and lessons learned from applying the new Decision Makers' Program Planning Tool (DMPPT) at the "Southern and Eastern Africa Regional Male Circumcision Costing and Impact Meeting" in Johannesburg, South Africa in late January 2010. The model helps estimate the potential impacts and cost of scaling up male circumcision services.