Resources search

Describes a process for synthesizing lessons learned from programme implementation in six countries, and using those lessons learned to adapt a programmatic framework. The framework is intended to guide the development and implementation of reproductive health components in integrated programmes in order to maximize their effectiveness

This research analyzes the impacts of ICT on poverty reduction in Latin America and the Caribbean and proposes strategies to plan policies for sustainable development and poverty reduction using IS, with a view to reduce social and gender inequalities. It presents a diagnosis of ICTs use in poverty reduction based on research developed from 1995 (year of introduction of Internet in most of the region) to June of 2003. A short version is available in English

This article discusses the implementation of a hospital information system in Limpopo Province, South Africa and describes how it failed because of inadequate infrastructure and problems with the functioning of the system itself. Furthermore, users were not made sufficiently aware of the purpose of a computerised system and failed to appreciate the complexity of implementation and of the healthcare process. The paper calls for a better understanding of the unique nature of hospital information systems and for well designed evaluation to be built into the contracts from the beginning

This paper explores how culture can be used in various forms (theatre, music, dance, traditional medicine, and more) as a means to communicate and encourage behavior change for HIV/AIDS prevention. It highlights theater for development and collaboration with traditional healers as viable alternatives to more conventional communication and behavior change models. It presents several case studies, good practices from the field, and lessons learned. The authors' understanding of a cultural approach to HIV/AIDS prevention means understanding and using a community's cultural references as a framework for the design and implementation of prevention policies and programmes. Programmes that have employed this approach are characterized by their participatory approach that fosters community ownership and in turn, can result in both greater efficacy and sustainability within the community

The CORE Initiative provides technical and financial assistance to community- and faith-based organisations working to increase advocacy, reduce stigma and discrimination, and improve care and support programs in developing countries. Support is provided through conferences, demonstration projects, empowerment grants, and an online resource center (www.coreinitiative.org). This report reviews some of the major activities completed and lessons learned during the first 18 months of the initiative

Rural households are managing as best they can in a rapidly changing and often threatening world which makes them vulnerable to the risk of HIV infection and ill equipped to cope with the effects of AIDS. Their chances of managing can be improved if they function in a supportive environment. However, in many cases this supportive environment does not exist and communities have to build their own resilience if they are to prove effective allies for rural households. Despite the difficulties of such a task, as shown in this paper, it is feasible. Certain conditions have to be met and pitfalls avoided in order to set up processes leading to sustainability and benefit all households as stakeholders. Such awareness is important for the communities themselves, but also for those providing outside assistance in order to trigger the building of community resilience and sustainability for all households, including in HIV/AIDS prevention and mitigation. This paper also reviews from a South East Asian perspective some of the lessons to be drawn from the global and African experiences and highlights some of the specificities and challenges of the region