08.C0709: Infection Control in Prisons

Infection control is an important aspect of prevention of TB in high HIV settings, such as correctional

facilities. None of the prisons in Botswana have isolation facilities for inmates with infectious TB. Recent

reports of XDR-TB from neighboring South Africa have raised the concern about possible cross-border

movement of patients with similar TB. Infection control policies are currently under development with FY07

funds.

2008 Plans

FY2008 funds are requested to procure 1 prefabricated building to be converted into an isolation ward for

inmates with TB. The building will be located at a site to be determined in consultation with the Division of

Prison Services. Prevention of TB infection in congregate settings is a major component of collaborative

TB/HIV activities. These activities therefore will support Botswana's Round 5 TB grant from the GFATM,

which among other goals, seeks to strengthen TB/HIV collaborative activities.

08-X1428

Project Name:

Champions for an AIDS-Free Generation

Lead Person:

His Excellency, Mr. Festus G. Mogae, Former President of the Republic of Botswana

Budget: $300,000

Project Summary:

Former President of Botswana, Festus G. Mogae, recognizing the devastating impact that the epidemic

continues to have in Africa; and recognizing that prevention and control of HIV infection is not just a

technical issue, but is embedded in complex political, social, economic, and trade-related contexts, has

considered how to engage renewed efforts and actions that are owned, driven and led by the most affected

countries. The former President calls for the convocation of a regional group of respected statespersons or

‘Champions' to be supported by multilaterals and global partnerships. The group would aim to mobilize

leadership and to catalyze the action needed to inform and invigorate HIV prevention approaches in

Southern Africa.

1. The Champions and their Mission

President Festus G. Mogae will lead the Champions. He and the founding members will provide guidance

on the final composition of this group which will include representatives from the private sector, public sector

and religious leaders - ensuring a strong representation from women and from civil society. The following

Champions have been identified:

• Archbishop and Nobel Laureate, Desmond Tutu

• Former Mozambican President, Joaquim Chissano

• Former Zambian President Kenneth Kaunda

• Former Tanzanian President Benjamin Mkapa

• South African Justice Edwin Cameron

• Ethiopian Supermodel, Liya Kebede

• Chairperson, Kenya National AIDS Commission, Dr. Miriam Were

The Mission of the Champions

President Mogae proposes that this group of distinguished African Champions will serve to mobilize

leadership in the region, inform global leaders and policy makers, and to catalyze the local action needed to

renew and revitalize HIV responses. The mission of the Champions would be to (i) help create an

authorizing environment for a reinvigorated response to HIV, (ii) catalyze debate and dialogue among

political leaders, (iii) mobilize media and public support in the region and (iv) foster mutual accountability

among Governments and Development Partners for resources, and strong, effective policies and action on

HIV prevention and AIDS treatment and care.

President Mogae further proposes that this group of distinguished African Champions will be established to

meet the need for an independent actor with the capacity to be both conscience and champion to mobilize

leadership on HIV in Africa. The Group will recognize the role of other regional initiatives and bodies such

as AIDS Watch Africa and the West African Leaders' Initiative on HIV and will seek to coordinate with and

complement their activities.

President Mogae envisages that the Champions' overall mission is to help improve the quality of the

region's response to AIDS and ensure its implementation by holding leaders accountable for their promises

and performance. The group will achieve this primarily by using their convening power to focus attention on

and analyze country performances to help catalyze the action needed to renew and revitalize HIV

responses. Their mission will have an emphasis on improved and innovative approaches to prevention,

within the framework of the continuum of AIDS treatment, care and support. However the Champions might

also choose to address a broad range of barriers to implementation, including operational and legal issues.

President Mogae envisions that the counterparts and key interlocutors of the Champions will be Heads of

State, relevant sector Ministers, Speakers of Parliament, leaders of civil society and communities affected

by HIV, representative of key government agencies responsible for HIV and representatives of the private

sector and religious organizations of the countries they visit. Recognizing the important regional dimensions

of the HIV epidemic, the Champions will act at country level, dealing with country-specific issues, but also

work with and inform regional institutions and initiatives. The Group may also engage with the international

community including representatives of governments, multilateral agencies, global initiatives, private

foundations and the pharmaceutical industry.

The Champions' major focus will be on Southern Africa on account of the greatest HIV burden in this sub-

region - hence the proposed composition of its membership. Priority will be given to countries of highest

prevalence: Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia, South Africa, Swaziland, Mozambique, Tanzania, Zambia and

Zimbabwe, in 2008 and 2009.

2. The Secretariat

President Mogae has held discussions with the following international agencies and institutions supporting

AIDS programs in Africa, which have committed to providing the Champions with the technical support and

resources they will need: UNAIDS, World Bank, Global Fund, US Government-PEPFAR Program, and

WHO. These partners will act in close consultation and coordination with the Gates Foundation and other

active stakeholders. Their commitment to President Mogae includes the establishment of a small technical

Secretariat to assist and support the group as detailed below.

a. Skills and Role

Activity Narrative:

The Champions will be supported and assisted by a small Secretariat to provide the following support and

resources directly relevant to country visits:

a. Logistical support for country visits;

b. Structural links with the technical support agencies and partners, who at the request of countries will

assist them to:

1. Coordinate and manage country and regional level analytical studies - including background syntheses

and innovative empirical studies as required;

2. Coordinate and manage country "think tanks" - including preparing and disseminating meeting reports;

3. Monitor progress in different countries

c. Preparation of documents and reports on country visits;

d. Technical advice and assistance to the Champions upon request;

e. Liaising with regional structures and other stakeholders at the request of the Champions Group;

f. Coordination with development partners at global and country levels;

3. Inaugral Meeting

This mission is urgent. President Mogae has called a meeting on September 11-12 in Gaborone to

inaugurate the Champions, formalize membership and agree on the formal mission of the group. Support

from BOTUSA will go to hire an Agency to help with the logistics of the meeting, including travel and

accommodation for the Champions and their body guards or personal assistants, the conference venue, a

reception for 30 people, and support to the newly formed Secretariat.

08.X1502-HQ: CDC - ICASS

HHS/CDC Capital Security Cost Sharing (CSCS):

In FY 2008 the Botswana estimates for CSCS are $ 68,327. These charges are based on a snapshot of the

data in the State WebPASS system as of June 16, 2007 and apply to the total number of existing or

authorized positions which occupy USG space. Since the HHS/CDC staff is housed is MOH buildings, the

CSCS tax is applied only to those in the Embassy who are providing International Cooperative

Administrative Support Services (ICASS) services thus keeping CDC costs minimal.

HHS/CDC ICASS Charges: The shared administrative support from the Embassy through ICASS for

HHS/CDC GAP Program (account 7552.-0) is estimated to be $642,374 for FY 2008.

08.X1501-Local: HHS/CDC management and support

CDC Management and administration (Headquarters)

In FY 2008 the Botswana estimates for administrative costs from Base Headquarters are $1,322,615.

These include salaries, benefits, travel, training and support for the Director, Deputy Director, Associate

Director for Global AIDS Program (GAP), GAP Senior Administrator, Associate Director for Science,

Informatics Specialist, the Informatics Section Chief, and communication officers. It also covers 30 days of

support to backstop the country Deputy Director during home leave/R & R by a staff person from CDC

headquarters and dollars for a Building and Design Contractor.

Support costs for the CDC Information Technology Services Office (ITSO) will be covered for 42

workstations in Botswana. ITSO has established a support cost of $3,250 per workstation and laptop for FY

2008 to cover the cost of information technology infrastructure services and support provided by ITSO. This

includes the funding to provide base level of connectivity for Gaborone and Francistown, connectivity to the

CDC global network, keeping the IT equipment refreshed and updated on a regular cycle, expanding the

ITSO Global Activities team in Atlanta and fully implementing the Regional Technology Services Executives

in the field. This is a structured cost model that represents what is considered as the "cost of doing

business" for this location. Also included are consumable IT supplies, equipment, maintenance and

repairs, telecommunications, international travel and training of IT staff not covered by ITSO.

CDC Management and administration (Post)

These funds support local management and staffing costs including local salaries, travel costs, training;

utilities and telecommunications for sites in Gaborone and Francistown; space, leases and warehousing;

security services; XTS500 handheld radios for Emergency Action Committee members; motor pool and

supplies, local printing, supplies and associated operational costs.

Local salaries this year will be higher than last year due to the anticipated transition to a pension plan. This

will require payout for employees formerly on the severance plan as well as a 15% employee annual

contribution to the pension plan.

Salaries are included for the requested new CDC FSN positions.