Guidelines For Preparing A Municipal HIV/AIDS Directory

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UN-AMICAALL PARTNERSHIP PROGRAMME

Guidelines For Preparing A Municipal HIV/AIDS Directory

Why a Municipal HIV/AIDS Directory?

For those in need of support - A directory of HIV/AIDS-related

services, such as prevention, care and support, treatment, training

and advocacy, is essential for those infected and affected by

HIV/AIDS and indicates they are not alone, that assistance is

available.

Sensitization – A directory can serve as a sensitization document

for the general population by educating citizens, encouraging de-

stigmatization and promoting services. It includes a section

on basic facts about HIV/AIDS and modes of transmission and suggests

ways in which People Living with HIV and AIDS (PLWHA) can live

positive, healthy and productive lives.

Municipality commitment – As an example of a municipality's active

response to HIV/AIDS, the directory is also evidence of commitment

to addressing HIV/AIDS and providing information to the public.

For service providers, policy makers and donors - As a " snapshot " of

available HIV/AIDS related services, a directory can be used to

stimulate greater collaboration and coordination; identify gaps in

the current response; and encourage a more integrated approach to

service provision. This can be part of a larger effort to enhance

commitment and capacity for scaling up responses to the epidemic.

Contents of the Directory

Upfront a Municipal HIV/AIDS Service Directory should include:

o A preface by the Mayor or City Council stating the municipality's

commitment to

confronting HIV/AIDS and helping their citizens.

o A copy/summary of the city's HIV/AIDS policy, if available.

o Basic facts on HIV/AIDS.

For its core, the directory contains an exhaustive list of

information on all HIV/AIDS-related services available in a city or

town operated by the municipality, government ministries, health

facilities, international agencies, development partners, non-

governmental organizations (NGOs), faith-based organizations and

community groups. This information should include:

o Type of organization (i.e. NGO, government organization etc.)

o Name of organization

o Short organization biography/statement of purpose

o Organization contact information

o Targeted group (i.e., PLWHA, adolescents, women, general public

etc.)

o Services provided

NOTE: Information should also be collected on community

groups/organizations that:

o Provide support to/build the capacity of HIV/AIDS care givers.

o Provide support (in whatever capacity) for orphans and vulnerable

children.

o Undertake HIV/AIDS community-based information and education

activities through

dance, threatre, etc.

o Undertake other relevant HIV/AIDS activities or services in the

community.

Preparing the Directory

Collecting information

Although approaches may vary, it is important to identify a focal

point/person in each municipality to be responsible for facilitating

the data collection. The task of data collection and compilation can

be assigned to someone within a municipality, a consultant or

outsourced to NGO capable of this work. All service providers should

be contacted and encouraged to contribute information. The

information collected should be reviewed for accuracy and a data

base produced to enable periodic updating of information.

Producing the directory

Once the information is collected, it should be published in hard

copy as a brochure and online as a PDF document.

The date of publication should be included on the hard copy and

digital version of the directory.

Disseminating the directory

The hard copy version of the directory should be distributed free of

charge to the general population through various channels determined

by the municipality. They may include: City Council offices,

libraries, health centers, community centers, schools, and other

public places. If feasible, municipalities could also distribute the

directories to households.

The directory should be placed on the City Council's website and

other websites, as appropriate. Publicity activities should be

undertaken where possible. For example, low cost fliers/posters,

containing information on where the directory can be found, can be

distributed on the street and the posters can be hung up in key

public spaces such as shebeens, cafes, bus stops etc. Ads for

the directory in local newspapers/publications or on the radio are

other possible avenues for

publicity.

Preparation of a Budget for the Directory

Breakdown of the usual costs involved:

o Consultant services to facilitate the collection of information

o Translation for local language version

o Graphic design and layout of the brochure

o Printing

o Development of a data base, including the data entry

o Updating information periodically, at least once a year

o Publicity for the directory (e.g., posters, flyers, radio ads etc.)

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