Detailed Mechanism Funding and Narrative

Details for Mechanism ID: 16313
Country/Region: Caribbean Region
Year: 2010
Main Partner: U.S. Embassies
Main Partner Program: Central America--Caribbean Regions
Organizational Type: Implementing Agency
Funding Agency: HHS/CDC
Total Funding: $300,000

The Ambassadors HIV Prevention Program was initiated in 2002 and all Caribbean based U.S. Ambassadors are invited to participate. The program promotes HIV/AIDS awareness and behavior change amongst the general population. US Embassies that will receive FY10 funding to implement this program are: 1) Belize, 2) Bahamas, 3) Barbados,4) Jamaica, 5) Trinidad and Tobago, and 6) Suriname. The Ambassadors HIV Prevention Program supports projects at the community level often targeting difficult to reach and vulnerable populations such as MSM, CSW, youth and prison inmates. Projects are implemented in collaboration with Ministries of Health, Ministries of Education, NGOs, CSOs and faith-based organizations. Each Embassy is encouraged to select a project focus and common theme for the programs activities. Embassies are allowed discretion when soliciting and setting criteria for selection, however, all projects must be approved by the Ambassador. Programmatic and technical assistance is provided by CDC Caribbean Regional Office. This program provides Ambassadors with an opportunity to use their considerable influence to increase community awareness and advocate for action at both the community level and within the national governments.

The Ambassadors HIV Prevention Program will contribute to the Partnership Framework goal of reducing HIV incidence in the Caribbean by 25% by 2013 through community level behavior change outcomes. The program will also contribute to capacity building of local organizations by strengthening their ability to receive and track USG funds and implement activities.

Funding for Sexual Prevention: Abstinence/Be Faithful (HVAB): $140,000

The Ambassadors HIV Prevention Program will provide a total of $300,000 in FY10 funds to community-based organizations through small grants. US Embassies that will receive FY10 funding to implement this program are: 1) Belize, 2) Bahamas, 3) Barbados,4) Jamaica, 5) Trinidad and Tobago, and 6) Suriname. $140,000 will support activities focused on abstinence, faithfulness and delay of sexual debut. Proposals for small grant funds will be evaluated based on feasibility, organizational capacity to receive funds and implement the proposal, and projected outcomes. The target population for these AB activities will be youth and adults; further specifics of the target population and activities will depend on the proposals received and selected. Illustrative examples of the types of approaches which may be funded include:

- Skills-based sex and AIDS education programs in schools and through after-school programs.

-. Youth peer outreach for HIV prevention and curriculum-based programs for out-of-school youth.

- Youth-oriented, mass-media and educational entertainment programs that can encourage youth to think about HIV prevention, and to influence knowledge, attitudes, behaviors and norms.

Funding for Sexual Prevention: Other Sexual Prevention (HVOP): $160,000

The Ambassadors HIV Prevention Program will provide a total of $300,000 in FY10 funds to community-based organizations through small grants. US Embassies that will receive FY10 funding to implement this program are: 1) Belize, 2) Bahamas, 3) Barbados,4) Jamaica, 5) Trinidad and Tobago, and 6) Suriname. $160,000 will support activities focused on condom use and risk reduction. Proposals for small grant funds will be evaluated based on feasibility, organizational capacity to receive funds and implement the proposal, and projected outcomes. The target population for these OP activities will be youth and adults; further specifics of the target population and activities will depend on the proposals received and selected. Illustrative examples of the types of approaches which may be funded include:

-Targeting men to proactively change harmful gender norms that support and encourage multiple partnering, concurrent partnerships, cross-generational sex, and the lack of condom use.

-Encourage discordant couples to use condoms consistently and correctly to protect the HIV-negative partner from becoming infected, as well as to limit outside partners.

- Encouraging the general population, including couples, to reduce their sexual risks and learn their HIV status. Programs should provide or refer to confidential counseling and testing as well as linkages to care for infected individuals.