Detailed Mechanism Funding and Narrative

Years of mechanism: 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015

Details for Mechanism ID: 11047
Country/Region: Ghana
Year: 2010
Main Partner: U.S. Peace Corps
Main Partner Program: NA
Organizational Type: Implementing Agency
Funding Agency: enumerations.Peace Corps
Total Funding: $95,000

Peace Corps supports two primary activities to enhance the integration of HIV/AIDS activities into the four sectors in which Peace Corps volunteers are assigned (Education, Small Enterprise Development, Environment, and Health/Water and Sanitation).

First, all Peace Corps volunteers and their counterparts are provided with in-service training. The training is facilitated by the Health APCD, PEPFAR Program Assistant and other technical resource persons from the USG, USG implementing partners and/or local institutions. The training helps participants understand the epidemiology and drivers of the Ghana HIV/AIDS epidemic and builds their capacities to design and implement results-oriented, community-initiated HIV/AIDS projects that focus primarily on HVAB, HVOP and HBHC activities. The training also highlights the PEPFAR VAST grant application process, project design and management, and project completion and reporting procedures.

Second, Peace Corps supports its volunteers and their counterparts' implementation of HIV/AIDS activities through PEPFAR VAST grants. VAST grants finance the implementation of community-level interventions. All activities are closely coordinated with District Health Management Teams, and Peace Corps volunteers are encouraged to integrate capacity building efforts for these teams into their activities. To promote local ownership and sustainability, a community contribution of at least 25% of the total project cost is required. Peace Corps' also promotes sustainability and cost efficiency by building strong partnerships with and the capacities of local community groups, schools, and District Assemblies.

Peace Corps staff regularly conducts field monitoring and support visits to volunteers' sites. Volunteers receive training in PEPFAR reporting and submit regular progress reports using a standardized reporting tool. Where possible, volunteers build the M&E capacity of local partners.

Funding for Care: Adult Care and Support (HBHC): $24,000

Peace Corps will build the capacities of its 135 volunteers and their local Ghanaian counterparts to promote community-based health care and support for PLWA. Peace Corps will also administer small grants to provide volunteers and their counterparts with the resources necessary to extend and optimize the quality of life for HIV-infected persons and their families. With FY10 funds, selected PLHIV groups will be provided with psychological and social support, including individual and group counseling, peer support programs, income-generating activities, training of caregivers, and PwP training.

Funding for Sexual Prevention: Abstinence/Be Faithful (HVAB): $27,000

Peace Corps will build the capacities of its 135 volunteers and their local Ghanaian counterparts to promote prevention activities, including life-skills training and promoting ABC messages, through community-initiated outreach activities. Volunteers and their counterparts will carry out projects aimed at promoting the care and acceptance of PLHA. Peace Corps will also administer small grants to provide volunteers and their counterparts with the resources necessary to implement prevention activities. To leverage USG investments, Peace Corps will incorporate some of the training resources developed by USAID implementing partners into its training and project activities. Peace Corps will partner with local civil society and/or USAID implementing partners working in some of the higher HIV/AIDS prevalence areas in Ghana (e.g. Yilo Krobo District).

Funding for Sexual Prevention: Other Sexual Prevention (HVOP): $44,000

Peace Corps will build the capacities of its 135 volunteers and their local Ghanaian counterparts to promote prevention activities, including life-skills training and promoting ABC messages, through community-initiated outreach activities. Volunteers and their counterparts will carry out projects aimed at promoting the care and acceptance of PLHA. Peace Corps will also administer small grants to provide volunteers and their counterparts with the resources necessary to implement prevention activities. To leverage USG investments, Peace Corps will incorporate some of the training resources developed by USAID implementing partners into its training and project activities. Peace Corps will partner with local civil society and/or USAID implementing partners working in some of the higher HIV/AIDS prevalence areas in Ghana (e.g. Yilo Krobo District).