CRIDOC Participates in the NAC Task Team on HIV/AIDS Resource Centres

According this document, the general understanding of the concept of an Information Resource Centre is lacking in many parts of the country

CRIDOC was among the NGOs and other key stakeholders that were invited on 28 February 2009 to participate in a taskforce to review distribution systems of HIV and AIDS communication materials at a meeting held at the National AIDS Commission Resource Centre.

The main objective of the meeting was to discuss how different organizations distribute HIV and AIDS communication materials. The taskforce members – representing reputable stakeholders like Banja la Mtsogolo, Population Service International (PSI), Pakachere Institute for Development Communication, Ministry of Health (Health Education Unit), National initiative for Civic Education, Southern African AIDS Trust, CRIDOC and Malawi Bridge Project – shared different models which they use to disseminate HIV and AIDS communication materials.

The review comes amid concerns from NAC and implementing partners that in spite of the large volumes of HIV/AIDS and Reproductive Health IEC materials produced by implementing partners over the past years, the distribution system has at times not been efficient and effective enough to facilitate smooth circulation, delivery and tracking of the materials as well as the profile of users. Such concerns were first confirmed in 2003 through a review of related literature and interviews which were held with various implementing partners during a consultancy commissioned by NAC.

NAC will, therefore, draw on the lessons learnt during the consultative meeting, harmonise the different approaches which would then be fed into the new NAC system.

The meeting was also a follow up to another one held at the same venue on 26 February 2009 to develop the NAC Resource Centre Policy and Guidelines.

According to a needs assessment study for the establishment of rural and urban HIV and AIDS Information Resource Centres (IRC) commissioned by NAC in 2004, the general understanding of the concept of an Information Resource Centre in many parts of the country is lacking.

It is hoped, therefore, that the new policy manual that will be developed will assist in meeting the expectations of the patrons who frequently visit the NAC Resource Centre.

Get back to this page soon for new updates on these initiatives!