Partnerships with civil society to scale up HIV/TB activities
Immediate adoption of the Three I’s for HIV/TB, the recommendations of the 2011 WHO guidelines for intensified tuberculosis case finding and isoniazid preventive therapy for people living with HIV in resource-constrained settings and the 2009 WHO Policy on TB infection control in health-care facilities, congregate settings and households is critical in protecting people living with HIV from TB. Among the most critical target groups for ensuring that WHO material translates from policy into action are health care workers, traditional health practitioners, advocates and patient groups.
The HIV/AIDS Department works closely with the STOP TB Department, the Stop TB Partnership and UNAIDS to engage with civil society. In December 2010, the AIDS and Rights Alliance for Southern Africa (ARASA) http://www.arasa.info/ hosted a workshop.
WHO recommended Three I's for HIV/TB package (isoniazid preventive treatment, infection control for TB and intensified case finding). The goal of the workshop, which was held in collaboration with WHO and civil society organizations from seven southern African countries, was to develop strategic advocacy and communication tools for health care workers, HIV/TB advocates, traditional health practitioners and patient groups.
Using strategic communication approaches, the Three I's for HIV/TB communication and advocacy toolkit will inform service providers and their clients on the importance of the Three I's for HIV/TB. The toolkit uses an evidence based approach which relies on the latest science, policy and advocacy to inform public perceptions and attitudes; while creating demand for services, forming stronger links with health services and improving provider-client relationships.
ARASA, in collaboration with the WHO is currently leading on finalization of the toolkit. The toolkit will be made available April 2011 from the ARASA website.
Links to partner orgnizations
- Adventist Development & Relief Agency
- AIDS and Rights Alliance for Southern Africa (ARASA)
- Bonela
- HATIP
- Global Network of People Living with HIV (GNP+)
- Mozambican Treatment Access Movement
- Partners In Health, Lesotho
- Southern African Network of Nurses and Midwives
- Swaziland for positive living
- Swaziland Nurses Association
- Treatment Action Campaign
- Treatment Action Group (TAG)
- Treatment Literacy and advocacy campaign, Zambia