Detailed Mechanism Funding and Narrative

Details for Mechanism ID: 4801
Country/Region: Uganda
Year: 2007
Main Partner: International Medical Corps
Main Partner Program: NA
Organizational Type: NGO
Funding Agency: enumerations.State/PRM
Total Funding: $321,150

Funding for Biomedical Prevention: Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission (MTCT): $51,514

This activity complements activities 8304-CT, 8302-TB/HIV, 8300-Condom & Other Preventions, 8301-Basic Health Care & Support, 8303-OVC, 8299-AB.

The activity will target 20,507 beneficiaries residing in, or near, the Kyaka II settlement in Kyenjojo district (6,000 host population and 14,507 refugees, predominantly Congolese), a district with an HIV/AIDS prevalence rate of 7.4 percent. This refugee settlement is the reception center for new arrivals from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), it is therefore anticipated that the population of the settlement may increase or decrease dependent upon the stability of security in DRC and the success or otherwise of re-settlement programs. GTZ (German Development and Technical Cooperation) is implementing health services for UNHCR in Kyaka II settlement through two health centers, offering curative, preventive and voluntary counseling and testing (VCT) services.

With funding from PRM/PEPFAR from September 2006 to September 2007 (FY06), IMC will supply drugs and related materials in support of the prevention of mother to child transmission of HIV/AIDs (PMTCT) services provided from two health facilities in Kyaka II and through community outreach services. These PMTCT services include VCT, linkages with WFP to ensure malnourished mothers living with HIV/AIDs and their children receive supplementary feeding and that those mothers testing positive for HIV/AIDs are referred to the Sub-Health Unit for anti-retroviral treatment (ART). Females currently make up 50% of the total population in the settlement and the clinic currently records delivery of 25 babies per month, although it is estimated that a greater number of births take place at homes with the assistance of traditional birth attendants (TBAs). As these activities have only just commenced, IMC is not in a position to provide information on accomplishments to date.

In FY07, IMC will support the clinics to further integrate the PMTCT program into routine maternal and child health services and strengthened ANC/PNC services. The activities will include counseling and testing for 1,500 pregnant women and partners, diagnosis, treatment and awareness-raising of STIs and family planning. Existing structures for community sensitization, social forums developed under IMC's BPRM-funded SGBV program, will be utilized to further sustain awareness of and maintain demand for PMTCT services. The focus of this will be to encourage the families and partners of women accessing PMTCT services to take an active role in supporting these women in the home and to help fight stigma against them in the broader community. To facilitate this community sensitization, IMC will produce information, education and communication (IEC) materials. Other activities will include the continued provision of related medical supplies and the refresher training of 10 clinic staff on infection prevention, appropriate obstetric care, and other ANC/PNC services.

Funding for Sexual Prevention: Abstinence/Be Faithful (HVAB): $29,949

This activity complements activities 8304-CT, 8302-TB/HIV, 8300-Condom & Other Preventions, 8301-Basic Health Care & Support, 8303-OVC, 8298-PMTCT.

The activity will target 20,507 beneficiaries residing in, or near, the Kyaka II settlement in Kyenjojo district (6,000 host population and 14,507 refugees, predominantly Congolese), a district with an HIV/AIDS prevalence rate of 7.4 percent. This refugee settlement is the reception center for new arrivals from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), it is therefore anticipated that the population of the settlement may increase or decrease dependent upon the stability of security in DRC and the success or otherwise of re-settlement programs. GTZ (German Development and Technical Cooperation) is implementing health services for UNHCR in Kyaka II settlement through two health centers, offering curative, preventive and VCT services.

With funding from PRM/PEPFAR from September 2006 to September 2007 (FY06), IMC will design a community awareness campaign to sustain HIV preventive behaviors among refugees and host population in Kyaka II settlement. The activity will target 20,507 beneficiaries residing in the settlement. HIV prevention IEC materials with varied messages and media will be developed and reproduced to promote the prevention of HIV/AIDs through abstinence and fidelity. 20 Community Educators (CEs) will receive refresher training on dissemination of relevant information to target communities. All population groups will be targeted; however, special emphasis will be given to youth/students, considering that this beneficiary group makes up approximately 54 percent of the target population. IMC will recruit a qualified HIV/AIDs Counselor Trainer (with expertise in child, family and couple counseling) who will work closely with CEs to identify, and then train, two Peer Counselors per school to promote preventive behaviors at five primary and one secondary school in the area. Messages promoting the value of abstinence and fidelity in preventing HIV/AIDs will also be made available to members of the social forums, established under the SGBV program, to patients visiting the health centers and at other public areas of the settlement (such as food distribution points). Trained CEs will also instigate group discussions and conduct door-to-door promotion visits. With the assistance of the Peer Counselors and Community Educators, IMC will mobilize youth both in and out of school to engage in activities such as life skills clubs and a sports competition to deter their participation in high-risk behaviors which could lead to infection. As these activities have only just commenced, IMC is not in a position to provide information on accomplishments to date.

In FY07, IMC will continue with the implementation of community awareness campaigns to build on those of FY06 and to reinforce IMC's ongoing campaign against early marriages as part of the sexual and gender-based violence program. Building on interlinking networks developed throughout the FY06 program, further integration of the PEPFAR-funded HIV/AIDs program with the BPRM-funded SGBV program will serve to promote the importance of abstinence and remaining faithful both to the prevention of HIV/Aids and to the prevention of under-age sex and early marriage.

Funding for Sexual Prevention: Other Sexual Prevention (HVOP): $24,506

This activity complements activities 8304-CT, 8302-TB/HIV, 8298-PMTCT, 8301-Basic Health Care & Support, 8303-OVC, 8299-AB.

The activity will target 20,507 beneficiaries residing in, or near, the Kyaka II settlement in Kyenjojo district (6,000 host population and 14,507 refugees, predominantly Congolese), a district with an HIV/AIDS prevalence rate of 7.4 percent. This refugee settlement is the reception center for new arrivals from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), it is therefore anticipated that the population of the settlement may increase or decrease dependent upon the stability of security in DRC and the success or otherwise of re-settlement programs. GTZ (German Development and Technical Cooperation) is implementing health services for UNHCR in Kyaka II settlement through two health centers, offering curative, preventive and VCT services.

In FY06, IMC will support four condom outlets, two of which will be established with PRM/PEPFAR funding in villages furthest from the base camp. As this activity has only just commenced, IMC is not in a position to provide information on accomplishments to date.

In FY07, IMC will establish an additional seven condom outlets to ensure that all eleven villages have one condom outlet and that all eleven are maintained on an ongoing basis. Using data collected in FY06 on HIV-related knowledge, attitudes and practices of other high-risk groups (men and women with multiple sexual partners, sex workers and persons with disabilities), IMC will implement HIV/AIDs prevention activities additional to those focusing on abstinence and fidelity. During impromptu discussions, door to door visits and social forum meetings Community Educators will provide IEC materials to those high risk groups identified. These materials will emphasize the importance of condom use in the prevention of HIV/AIDs and will promote the early diagnosis and prevention of STIs, given that the presence of an STI promotes the transmission of HIV. Utilizing existing community structures established through the ongoing SGBV program, it will be important that this activity will also serve the needs of those women in stable, single partner relationships, who are not otherwise considered as ‘high-risk' but for whom it is necessary to build up confidence to negotiate with partners for safe sex.

Funding for Care: Adult Care and Support (HBHC): $47,012

This activity complements activities 8304-CT, 8302-TB/HIV, 8300-Condom & Other Preventions, 8298-PMTCT, 8303-OVC, 8299-AB.

The activity will target 20,507 beneficiaries residing in, or near, the Kyaka II settlement in Kyenjojo district (6,000 host population and 14,507 refugees, predominantly Congolese), a district with an HIV/AIDS prevalence rate of 7.4 percent. This refugee settlement is the reception center for new arrivals from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). It is therefore anticipated that the population of the settlement may increase or decrease dependent upon the stability of security in DRC and the success or otherwise of re-settlement programs. German Development and Technical Cooperation (GTZ) is implementing health services for UNHCR in Kyaka II settlement through two health centers, offering curative, preventive and VCT services.

In FY06, IMC will establish two service outlets providing palliative care. IMC will also provide training/capacity building for health care providers in facilities, support with supply of related drugs and materials and training/support to community active groups to provide home-based support to HIV+ patients and affected families. HIV+ will receive OI/STI diagnosis and management; wellness programs for PHAs and home based services for PHAs will be arranged and supported; and safe water, cotrimoxozole and Long Lasting Insecticide Treated Nets (LLITNs) provided. The effort will also aim to provide psychosocial support and reduce discrimination and stigma associated with HIV status. As these activities have only just commenced, IMC is not in a position to provide information on accomplishments to date.

IMC will continue to strengthen service provision in the settlement in FY07. This will be achieved through the provision of refresher training for 10 health care providers in the two health facilities and the continued provision of related drugs and materials to support ongoing palliative care and OI/STI diagnosis and management to 30 HIV/AIDs patients. Based upon a prevalence rate of 7.4 percent, it is anticipated that 444 of those 6,000 expected to present for testing (further to rigorous awareness-raising campaigns in FY06) will test positive. As a result, a training-of-trainers workshop on home-based care for HIV positive patients will be provided to 10 Community Health Workers (CHWs). These CHWs will, in turn, each train 44 care-givers to HIV+ patients.

Funding for Care: TB/HIV (HVTB): $66,234

This activity complements activities 8304-CT, 8298-PMTCT, 8300-Condom & Other Preventions, 8301-Basic Health Care & Support, 8303-OVC, 8299-AB.

An initial HIV/AIDS awareness campaign will target 20,507 beneficiaries residing in, or near, the Kyaka II settlement in Kyenjojo district (6,000 host population and 14,507 refugees, predominantly Congolese), a district with an HIV/AIDS prevalence rate of 7.4 percent. This refugee settlement is the reception center for new arrivals from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), it is therefore anticipated that the population of the settlement may increase or decrease dependent upon the stability of security in DRC and the success or otherwise of re-settlement programs. GTZ (German Development and Technical Cooperation) is implementing health services for UNHCR in Kyaka II settlement through two health centers, offering curative, preventive and VCT services.

In FY06, IMC will support the Kyaka II clinics to improve provision of TB/HIV palliative care services to patients. The program will strengthen the capacity of health professionals to provide care, and strengthen the delivery of integrated HIV and TB services through improved diagnostics and treatment and regular supply of related drugs and supplies. Specific activities will include: diagnostic HIV testing for all TB patients, screening of all HIV+ individuals for TB, delivery of HIV-related care (treatment of OIs, CTX, ARV, nutrition support) to HIV+ TB patients, TB preventive treatment, strengthening of community participation, delivery of DOTS, support to DOTS at household level through care givers, defaulter tracing, promotion of TB advocacy and referrals for screening, linkages with community groups to provide psychological support; TB counseling integrated with VCT and PMTCT services, strengthening referral linkages, training of health workers, training of community volunteers, support to TB diagnosis and monitoring of treatment, and strengthening technical support and supervision. As these activities have only just commenced, IMC is not in a position to provide information on accomplishments to date.

In FY07 IMC will continue to support both Kyaka II health clinics to improve the provision of HIV palliative care services to patients. By supplying essential medicines and related materials, IMC will continue to support these two service outlets to provide the following services; TB diagnosis for all HIV/AIDs patients, TB prevention therapy for all HIV positive patients, TB treatment for all HIV/TB patients and palliative care to HIV/TB patients. It is expected that of 444 IMC-supported HIV/AIDs patients, IMC will be well-placed to provide palliative care to 30 patients with TB/HIV. To ensure a continuing high standard of care, IMC will provide refresher training to 10 health professionals to provide clinical prophylaxis, TB diagnosis, treatment protocol and elements of Community based Directly Observed Treatment Short-course (TB-DOTS). IMC will identify and train 10 community health workers as TB/HIV focal persons on CB-DOTS using national TB/HIV collaborative guidelines and based upon lessons learned through IMC's Fidelis-funded TB-DOTS programs in North Eastern Uganda. During World Tuberculosis Day (March 24) the communities will be sensitized through activities such as drama groups and IEC coordinated by Community Educators. This will assist to improve case finding, reduce stigma and defaulter rates as well as promote preventive and care aspects of tuberculosis.

Funding for Care: Orphans and Vulnerable Children (HKID): $52,191

This activity complements activities 8304-CT, 8302-TB/HIV, 8300-Condom & Other Preventions, 8301-Basic Health Care & Support, 8298-PMTCT, 8299-AB.

The activity will target 20,507 beneficiaries residing in, or near, the Kyaka II settlement in Kyenjojo district (6,000 host population and 14,507 refugees, predominantly Congolese), a district with an HIV/AIDS prevalence rate of 7.4 percent. This refugee settlement is the reception center for new arrivals from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), it is therefore anticipated that the population of the settlement may increase or decrease dependent upon the stability of security in DRC and the success or otherwise of re-settlement programs. GTZ (German Development and Technical Cooperation) is implementing health services for UNHCR in Kyaka II settlement through two health centers, offering curative, preventive and VCT services.

During FY06, IMC will target orphans and vulnerable children (OVCs) in schools, while identifying those OVCs out of school on an ongoing basis through the use of CHWs. A program to support identified target population group will be designed in partnership with other agencies providing assistance to vulnerable in the settlement. Activities will aim to improve preventive behaviors of OVCs and family members and improve ability of OVCs and their caretakers to secure livelihoods. Options will be explored to improve the food security of OVCs and their families/caregivers. Such options might include support with seeds and tools, direct food support to affected households as well as access to income-generating opportunities. Social services will be strengthened to support education and provide psychosocial services. IMC will train CHWs to provide health education and to disseminate relevant information to OVCs and their families and will provide counselor training on child counseling to 10 volunteers. As these activities have only just commenced, IMC is not in a position to provide information on accomplishments to date.

In FY07, IMC will carry out a formal survey to identify all OVCs and their families/caregivers within the refugee and host population of Kyaka II settlement and to identify their additional needs. To address the psychosocial needs of these OVCs and their families/caregivers, IMCs HIV/AIDs Counselor Trainer will provide refresher training to 10 volunteers trained in child counseling during FY06 and will provide ongoing support supervision to these individuals. The Counselor Trainer would also be responsible for providing psychosocial care directly to those OVCs with particular needs as and when referred by the 10 trained counselors. In close coordination with focal persons within IMC's SGBV program, the Counselor Trainer would work with other agencies providing assistance to vulnerable in the settlement to identify and respond to the changing needs of OVCs. This activity will continue to improve the food security and ability of OVCs and their caretakers to secure livelihoods through the provision of seedlings, cultivation tools and training. IMC will recruit an Agricultural Trainer with the twin responsibilities of maintaining 4 demonstration plots and 10 communal nurseries established by UNHCR and Feed the Children, and utilizing these plots in the training of 800 OVCs and their families/caregivers on techniques to ensure maximized agricultural productivity to generate income. In addition to maximizing income generation potential for OVCs and their families/caregivers, this training will focus on the cultivation of those crops central to maintaining a nutritious diet. To improve access to education for these vulnerable children, IMC will provide scholastic materials to 800 OVCs. This will be complemented by an awareness-raising campaign coordinated by the Community Educators and aimed at changing the attitudes of families/care givers to promote children's right to education, particularly those younger girls currently undertaking traditional ‘female roles' in the household. Through community dialogue with social forums, drama groups and door-to-door visits, this campaign will also emphasize the negative affects of domestic violence, neglect and exploitation of vulnerable children and will serve to reinforce IMC's ongoing campaign against under-age sex and early marriages as part of the sexual and gender-based violence program and the abstinence/be faithful activity in this program.

Funding for Testing: HIV Testing and Counseling (HVCT): $49,744

This activity complements activities 8302-TB/HIV, 8300-Condom & Other Preventions, 8301-Basic Health Care & Support, 8303-OVC, 8299-AB, 8298-PMTCT.

The activity will target 20,507 beneficiaries residing in, or near, the Kyaka II settlement in Kyenjojo district (6,000 host population and 14,507 refugees, predominantly Congolese), a district with an HIV/AIDS prevalence rate of 7.4 percent. This refugee settlement is the reception center for new arrivals from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), it is therefore anticipated that the population of the settlement may increase or decrease dependent upon the stability of security in DRC and the success or otherwise of re-settlement programs. GTZ (German Development and Technical Cooperation) is implementing health services for UNHCR in Kyaka II settlement through two health centers, offering curative, preventive and VCT services.

Despite the low number of voluntary counseling and tests (VCT) provided in Kyaka II in 2005 (only 300 tests were carried out during the course of the year), findings from a joint UNHCR and Feed the Children evaluation report in June 2006 indicate that, rather than being due to lack of demand for services, this was due to erratic supply of test kits. During FY06, IMC will boost supplies of test kits to two service outlets and established community outreach VCT services and stimulated demand for these services through a wide-reaching community awareness campaign. It is expected that with successful implementation of this program, there will be an increased utilization of HIV testing and counseling services, increased public information and understanding of HIV counseling and testing, and increased and enhanced quality of VCT services. As these activities have only just commenced, IMC is not in a position to provide information on accomplishments to date.

Critical networks established in the first year of funding to ensure the referral of those patients testing positive for HIV/AIDs to the Sub-health unit for anti-retroviral treatment (ART) will be sustained and built upon during FY07. IMC will continue to provide test kits and related materials to service outlets. In addition to promoting the available services, a community awareness campaign, centered around World AIDs Day -December 1st, will develop this further by addressing issues related to disclosure of status to partners and families and the need for couple counseling and testing. Community Educators will emphasize the importance of testing for children at risk of infection as part of this campaign. Links between the ongoing SGBV program and this activity will be instrumental to the promotion of increased gender equity, challenging of male norms and behaviors conducive to HIV and STIs transmission, and the reduction of violence and coercion. To build on HIV/AIDs counseling training provided to ten key stakeholders in FY06, IMC's Counselor Trainer will conduct refresher training with a focus on issues of disclosure of status to partners and families and couple counseling. With support from IMCs Counselor Trainer, these counselors will establish one post-test club at each service outlet to encourage peer counseling between people living with HIV/AIDs (PLWA) in order to promote positive living and reduce stigma.