ACHAP Phase II Implementation development workshop

ACHAP held an Implementation Plan Development workshop for the second phase of the project at Gaborone Sun Hotel from the 14th to the 16th of July 2009. The overarching aim of the workshop was to develop an implementation framework for ACHAP?s second phase proposal for the period 2009-2012 and generate a common understanding of the proposed objectives, key activities and their implementation modalities.

The workshop was officially opened by Mr Batho C. Molomo- the National Coordinator of the National AIDS Coordinating Agency (NACA) and was attended by stakeholders, development partners and ACHAP staff.

The ACHAP BOD chairman from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Dr Luke Nkinsi was also present at the workshop. A team of facilitators was engaged to assist with proceeding of the workshop and to give guidance. These were Dr Alex Coutinho- Director Infectious Diseases Institute Mulago Hospital, Makerere University Kampala, Uganda; Mr Hari Menon- Senior Programme Officer, Avahan-India AIDS Initiative, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation India; Dr David Harrison- Former CEO, Lovelife South Africa and Dr George Obita- Public Health Specialist and Independent consultant.

The specific objectives for the workshop were to;

• Create a common understanding of goals and objectives of ACHAP Phase II among workshop participants.
  
• Clarify the priorities for ACHAP Phase II in line with needs of the HIV response in Botswana and ACHAP?s objectives for the second phase.
  
• Define the roles and responsibilities of ACHAP and its key partners in implementation of this plan.
  
• Create a shared understanding of planned implementation modalities and approaches at district and national level that will lead to achievement of programme objectives. The workshop resulted in a draft implementation plan for ACHAP?s second phase to be further developed and finalized by the end of August 2009.