The overall objective:
- To strengthen and expand an informed, action-oriented national advocacy network of civil society and community-based organizations that support and facilitate HIV prevention research.
Under this workstream, CASPR conducted an HIV needs assessment with 31 civil society organizations in Zimbabwe working on SRH/HIV and/or AGYW.
.The objectives of the needs assessment were:
- To assess current gaps and opportunities for support around HIV prevention research literacy on the HIV prevention products in the pipeline including Dapivirine Ring and Injectable Cabotegravir, overall women’s sexual reproductive health (SRH), and HIV prevention and intervene appropriately.
- To develop an action plan to strengthen capacity for evidence-based advocacy around Dapivirine Ring introduction, HIV prevention research literacy on the injectable cabotegravir, and overall women’s sexual reproductive health and HIV prevention.
The gaps identified during the Needs Assessment findings include limited CBOs’ involvement in the new HIV Prevention options, lack of financial resources to conduct HIV Prevention work, research literacy capacity and knowledge on Dapivirine ring; and CAB-for PrEP.
Opportunities in HIV prevention included:
- The need for training and provision of IEC materials to conduct HIV prevention research literacy.
- Interest in improving knowledge and raising awareness around Dapirivine Ring and CAB-LA in Zimbabwe.
- The necessity for capacity strengthening and mentorship around Dapirivine Ring, CAB-LA, and HIV prevention research literacy
- Linkage to HIV prevention networking platforms to create partnerships and collaborations.
- Requirement of technical support around HIV prevention programming from biomedical research experts and partners who are currently working on new HIV prevention methods.
Action plan
- To develop an action plan to strengthen CSO capacity for evidence-based advocacy around Dapivirine ring introduction, HIV prevention literacy on injectable Cabotegravir, and overall women’s SRH
- To strengthen and expand an informed, action-oriented national advocacy network of civil society and community-based organizations that support and facilitate HIV prevention research
The focus is on improving SRH services and HIV prevention for women in their diversity i.e. women living with HIV, women with disabilities, AGYW, pregnant women, and other vulnerable groups of women in communities.