Projects

The purpose of the Central Asian Regional HIV/AIDS Program was to strengthen the implementation of a multi-sectoral, coordinated national response to HIV and AIDS with special attention for those most at-risk and thereby contributing to the goal of averting a generalised epidemic.

A key component of the Program was scaling-up HIV prevention activities for target populations: young male IDU in prisons and in key HIV epicenters and male and female IDUs who engage in sex work.

HIV prevention was scaled-up using harm reduction - a proven evidence-based intervention for HIV prevention with IDUs.
The regional Program supported components of each national strategy that specifically address HIV prevention amongst injecting drug users and other high-risk populations.

The priority was to encourage joint government and NGO action to increase the number of harm reduction service sites, build the capacity of service providers, and effectively monitor and evaluate activities. Where possible the Program built on and support existing harm reduction activities.

The main responsibilities as NIP include:

• Coordinate implementation of country level harm reduction activities:
  (a) Programme assistance proposal formulation and assessment processes;
  (b) Programme assistance approval and funding agreements;
  (c) Competitive grant processes;
  (d) Harm reduction capacity building mechanisms.
• Monitor and report on harm reduction activities and funding agreements
• Maintain financial, contract and administrative management systems and report to the Regional Programme Office (GRM)
• Coordinate and collaborate with other bilateral or multilaterally funded program
• Backstop and provide technical support to harm reduction service organizations (HRSOs)
• Maintain effective working relationships with key partners.