Detailed Mechanism Funding and Narrative

Years of mechanism: 2011 2012 2013

Details for Mechanism ID: 13027
Country/Region: Malawi
Year: 2012
Main Partner: FHI 360
Main Partner Program: NA
Organizational Type: NGO
Funding Agency: USAID
Total Funding: $162,000

Strong SI capacity and systems are essential for effective planning and implementation of national HIV/AIDS responses. Knowing what drives the epidemic is a critical prerequisite to setting priorities and ensuring efficient use of resources. Behavioral Surveillance Survey (BSS) is implemented in many countries across the world with the aim of understanding HIV/AIDS-related behaviors and sero-prevalence among high-risk population groups. The findings of the BSS will be vital in making programmatic decisions around HIV prevention priorities and determining effective ways of reducing new HIV infections, a critical goal in Malawi's Partnership Framework Implementation Plan.The BSS survey will be done at a national scale using representative samples from the target population. The cost of designing and implementing this survey will be covered by multiple stakeholders including USG and the National AIDS Commission (NAC). NAC is the Principal Recipient of the all HIV GF grants in Malawi. The implementing mechanism will work closely with local counterparts (NSO and NAC) to provide technical assistance, build staff capacity, and assist in coordination of the survey.The implementing mechanism will update the USG team on its progress through quarterly reports. The USG team will also closely follow project implementation through participation in the BSS technical working group and holding regular meetings with the implementers.

Funding for Strategic Information (HVSI): $162,000

In 2006, Malawi conducted a Behavioral Surveillance Survey (BSS) which informed the national HIV prevention programming. The National AIDS Commission (NAC) is planning to conduct another round of BSS and some work has already started in 2011. This latest round of BSS is being funded by multiple development partners, including USG (through COP 2011). To date, a series of meetings has been held with the participation of relevant stakeholders to identify target groups, define the scope of the survey, and develop the appropriate methodology. The survey protocol has been finalized and is currently being reviewed by the national ethics committee. The requested COP12 funds will be used to continue supporting this initiative and fill the funding gap encountered for the actual survey implementation.

Key Issues Identified in Mechanism
Increasing gender equity in HIV/AIDS activities and services
Military Populations
Mobile Populations