The TANSACS/CDC collaborative program was initiated in 2001 at the Government Hospital for Thoracic Medicine (GHTM), one of Indias largest HIV care centers, to strengthen comprehensive care and implement a range of SI and systems strengthening activities. GHTM is recognized as an HIV Center of Excellence.

In FY12, the project will strengthen human and institutional capacity in Tamil Nadu through capacity building programs in Epidemiology, Strategic Information and Data Management and build the capacity of key local institutions to monitor the quality of HIV programs. This project supports goals 2 and 4 of the PEPFAR/India Strategy (data for decision-making, health systems strengthening). Although focused on Tamil Nadu, programs developed through the project will have national benefit through close collaboration between TANSACS, CDC and the national program.

This project leverages resources from TANSACS, NACO, GHTM and USG. NACO and TANSACS partially support implementation costs of mainstreamed projects, GHTM contributes staff and facilities and USG provides technical assistance (TA) through CDC staff based in Chennai and through other contracts. The collaboration with TANSACS has a successful track record of transitioning projects to GOI, particularly demonstration projects developed in collaboration with USG; a similar transition is planned for activities continuing in FY12.

Project monitoring will be completed by officers from TANSACS and District AIDS Prevention and Control Units, including CDC supported staff. CDC and the Project Director TANSACS will review project progress at regular intervals. Key programs will be periodically evaluated.

The funding request for FY12 is $1000; most proposed activities will be funded using FY11 pipeline.

Global Fund / Programmatic Engagement Questions

1. Is the Prime Partner of this mechanism also a Global Fund principal or sub-recipient, and/or does this mechanism support Global Fund grant implementation? Yes2. Is this partner also a Global Fund principal or sub-recipient? Sub Recipient3. What activities does this partner undertake to support global fund implementation or governance?(No data provided.)

In Tamil Nadu HIV prevalence among women in ANC has declined from 1.13% in 2001 to 0.25% in 2009. However, in many districts prevalence remains high or expected declines have not been observed. Despite its innovative programs, there are important gaps in the capacity of TANSACS and its partners to effectively use data to target, plan and manage effective programs in an evolving epidemic. USG collaborative programs will address these gaps by strengthening government staff, institutions and systems to collect, analyze and use program data. HIV Epidemiologist Training Program: In FY 11, the National Institute of Epidemiology (NIE) in partnership with TANSACS and USG developed a training program in HIV Epidemiology and Biostatistics. In FY12, this collaboration will train 6 state and national M&E staff to use statistical software to analyze field/program data; interpret surveillance data and prepare reports; undertake research studies; write scientific papers, publish in peer reviewed journals; and conduct HIV epidemiology and data management trainings. Strengthen TB/HIV Information System (T/HIS) at Government Hospital for Thoracic Medicine (GHTM): USG supported the development of the T/HIS at GHTM, an electronic health management information system which supports patient care and program management at the hospital and reports for the State and National program. In FY12, USG will continue to support the operation of T/HIS on data collection, data entry and data management while transitioning data entry to hospital laboratory technicians and counselors. As the revised NACO electronic data collection system is implemented, USG will assess mechanisms where the more robust T/HIS can interface with the NACO system required for national reporting. USG will work with TANSACS-GHTM to determine how to upgrade T/HIS and develop bridging software, as required. USG will provide TA to increase use of quality data for decision-making by strengthening capacity to obtain and analyze data using the latest information technology for data triangulation, operations research, surveillance, modeling, epidemiological profiling, costing, and evaluation. USG will continue to work with GHTM and its partners to carry out need-based research and build the capacity of health care professionals in research activities. USG will provide TA to the Quality Improvement Committee, Research Committee and Institutional Review Board which provide support for carrying out operational and scientific research and use of the data for publications. Strengthen TANSACS Management Information System (MIS): USG supported the establishment of a robust information system at TANSACS and provided TA to generate and report quality information for guiding HIV services and activities. In FY12, USG will facilitate capacity building of staff to use program data effectively to review programs and to create a scientific body of evidence to assist in program planning. USG will collaborate with TANSACS/GHTM to conduct training programs that build the capacity of TANSACS and DAPCU staff, strengthen NGO partners and health care workers at Integrated Counseling and Testing Centers, ART centers and Community Care Centers. USG will facilitate increasing availability of scientific evidence from special studies, operations research, surveillance, program evaluation and population-based surveys to inform prevention, care and treatment programming.

With USG technical and financial support, TANSACS has documented successful innovative programs and leveraged national funds to continue these activities. In FY12, USG will continue low levels of support to these activities and provide a model to strengthen the district units while mainstreaming the Red Ribbon Club program. Information-Sharing Workshops. In FY12, USG will support TANSACS to share best practices. USG will provide TA and GHTM will provide the facilities to conduct training programs, technical reviews, conferences and workshops. USG will facilitate information and expertise sharing opportunities between key institutes in the state such as the National Institute of Epidemiology (NIE), Tuberculosis Research Center, GHTM and SACS. USG will provide TA to TANSACS to organize collaborative workshops and seminars with health and development departments in the state to facilitate comprehensive care for PLWHs. Mainstream RRC and Self-Help Group (SHG) Intervention programs. RRC is an on-campus voluntary educational intervention among college students with the dual objectives of reducing HIV infection among youth by raising their risk perception and preparing them as peer educators. In FY12, RRC managers will work with Vice Chancellors of Universities, Department of Higher Education and Nodal officers at colleges to mainstream the program. Learning from the experience in 3 universities, USG and TANSACS will work with the remaining 11 universities to make the training a credit course within the curriculum. USG supported Red Ribbon Club (RRC) managers will be integrated into DAPCU as team members. Working within the DAPCU structure, RRC managers will support strengthening of the referral system for counseling and testing for youth/women and for comprehensive care to secondary and tertiary centers. RRC managers will facilitate capacity building programs for health care providers on risk reduction and prevention with positives. USG will work with the Tamil Nadu Womens Development Corporation (TNWDC) to facilitate scaling up of the SHG intervention program throughout the state. This program, previously funded through USG, is now supported by the state with TA provided by USG for quality assurance. USG will work with TNWDC to develop a plan to monitor the program for effectiveness and quality. Strengthen counseling for prevention with positives. CDC, in partnership with India-CLEN, developed the Living Positively with HIV: A Follow-up Counseling Toolkit. In FY12, USG will work with TANSACS to strengthen the counseling program in the state. USG with TANSACS will evaluate the Toolkit for effectiveness and feasibility. USG will also work towards coordinating with the National Rural Health Mission to leverage funds and expertise in planning and implementing these programs. Support for Laboratory Services: With USG support, GHTM was accredited as a State Reference Laboratory and serves as a training center for Indias laboratory personnel. In FY12, USG will provide TA to strengthen the capacity of GOI institutions such as SACS and National Reference Laboratories, and private sector and NGOs to plan, support, implement and monitor quality assurance/quality control at laboratories.

Implementing Mechanism Indicator InformationRedacted