Detailed Mechanism Funding and Narrative

Years of mechanism: 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017

Details for Mechanism ID: 13534
Country/Region: Caribbean Region
Year: 2013
Main Partner: National Alliance of State and Territorial AIDS Directors
Main Partner Program: NA
Organizational Type: NGO
Funding Agency: HHS/CDC
Total Funding: $550,000

The purpose of this IM is to strengthen surveillance of MARPS in the region and case-based reporting. The activities will complement the PF goals and objectives for strategic information and provide evidenced-based data for prevention planning. It is in direct support of the USG Caribbean PF Goal areas for SI (Goal 2) and HSS (Goal 4). In collaboration with CDC, regional partners, and country MOHs, this IM - National Alliance of State and Territorial AIDS Directors (NASTAD) will support planning, implementation, data analysis, and report writing for high quality MARP surveys as indicated by country needs. Countries receiving TA assistance from this IM will be selected based on expressed need, preparedness of the country to implement special studies, and estimated levels of population sizes and prevalence for MARPS in the country. When needed, NASTAD will also support TA to countries to strengthen case-based surveillance, including laboratory surveillance. Activities are focused to support the objectives of CRO SI in providing technical expertise to PF countries as requested.

NASTAD is currently doing substantial work in Trinidad & Tobago and is in the planning stages in Bahamas and St. Lucia. This IM will serve as a regional resource as well as provide direct TA to countries. Activities will also complement TA activities by CDC and PAHO/PHCO (in strengthening case-based surveillance systems in the region. CDC will work in close collaboration as a TA partner with NASTAD to ensure efficient use of USG resources in achieving programmatic priorities and in delivering results more cost effectively.

Funding for Strategic Information (HVSI): $550,000

Currently among the Partnership Framework countries there is a dearth in quality data on populations most at risk for HIV. This hampers the ability of countries to identify characteristics and patterns behaviors that increase risk and vulnerability among persons in this population, so they can plan effective prevention interventions. Countries have requested assistance in measuring the size of these populations, in determining HIV prevalence as well as behavioral patterns which increases their risk of HIV transmission. The objectives of this mechanism will be achieved through the technical assistance and implementation of behavioral and biological surveys amongst most at risk populations such as men having sex with men (MSM) and sex workers (SW), and will expand to address high risk populations such as migrants/mobile population to better inform and plan for appropriate prevention, intervention and treatment and care programming. The support provided to countries include formative assessments, and size estimation studies and the conduct of BSS surveys amongst MARPS in order to establish baselines for the implementation of prevention interventions. At present NASTAD has begun substantial work with Trinidad & Tobago during Year 1 of the Agreement and has made a commitment to work in earnest with The Bahamas during Year 2. These surveys will be a critical contribution to the countries knowing their epidemic as well the drivers in the epidemic. They will also complement activities by CDC and PAHO/PHCO (PAHO HIV Caribbean Office) in strengthening of surveillance systems in the region. The premise of these activities rests on the ability to increase technical expertise within country to conduct similar exercises in the near future. Success will be measure by the production of improved technically-sound and comprehensive reports by country National Programs.