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Capacity Building for AIDS Impact Mitigation (AIM) - n/a Empowerment & Civic Engagement Nigeria 2006 - 2010 USAID |
Helping Stop the Spread of AIDS in Nigeria
RATIONALENigeria has the second-largest incidence of HIV/AIDS infection in sub-Saharan Africa and the fourth-largest in the world. In 2004, there were an estimated 3.5 million people living with AIDS, and that number is estimated to be growing at a rate of 1,500 a day - an infection every minute. The number of HIV-positive persons in Nigeria is expected to exceed 10 million by 2010. As that group expands, the need for improved care and support services becomes even more critical.
Nigeria boasts a vibrant and diverse community of civil society organizations well-positioned to respond to this situation. Civil society organizations, and especially faith-based organizations, are respected in their communities, with legitimacy in health-care and education programming, extensive reach to rural areas, and vast community networks. However, many are newly established, have weak management structures, weak linkages with individuals or organizations outside their faith group, or limited capacity to scale up their programming. To capitalize on their potential to meet the AIDS crisis, Nigerian civil society organizations need to strengthen their capacities.
OBJECTIVES
This project aims to strengthen the capacity and sustainability of indigenous national and regional civil society organizations within Nigeria to manage and support their local chapters and other related groups and initiatives. It will strengthen and support the capacity of civil society and other nongovernmental organizations to design, implement, monitor, evaluate, and expand delivery of HIV/AIDS prevention, care, and support services in their communities.
ACTIVITIES
Project activities will include strengthening capacity of various organizations to respond to HIV/AIDS in their communities; improving the quality of life of HIV-infected individuals and their families; providing high-quality comprehensive and compassionate care for AIDS-affected orphans and vulnerable children; and effecting behavior change for commercial sex workers through education and alternative income-generating opportunities.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Accomplishments will be reported as the project progresses.