Empowering Communities in Borno State through the Key Population Community HIV Services for Action and Response (KP CARE) 2 Project

Rise To Inspire Africa Initiative is excited to share our involvement in the Key Population Community HIV Services for Action and Response (KP CARE 2) Project, funded by the Society for Family Health (SFH) through the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

As one of the selected Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) from Borno State, RIA is proud to support the implementation of the KP CARE 2 Project. This initiative aims to reduce the incidence and mitigate the impact of HIV on Key Populations (KPs) in Nigeria, thereby assisting in achieving epidemic control.

A primary objective of the KP CARE 2 Project is to increase the demand for and access to comprehensive HIV and AIDS prevention and treatment services and interventions for KPs. By focusing on these goals, we aim to improve health outcomes and contribute to the overall well-being of the communities we serve.

Our Journey into the KP-CARE 2 Project

Our journey with the KP-CARE 2 Project began with a comprehensive capacity assessment in February 2024. This process involved independent consultants, colleagues from the Society for Family Health (SFH), and key representatives from the Borno State Ministry of Health and the Borno State Agency for Control of AIDS (BOSACA), who visited our office.

During this assessment, we thoroughly reviewed our organizational capacity across nine critical domains: Governance, Experience, Knowledge and Skills, Networking and Referral Systems, Resource Mobilization, Human Resource Management, Service Delivery, Procurement and Financial Management Systems, and Gender Management Systems, as well as Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning.

This assessment provided valuable insights into our strengths and areas for improvement, highlighting our level of preparedness to implement the KP-CARE 2 Project effectively. It was a pivotal step in ensuring our readiness to make a lasting impact in addressing the HIV epidemic within key populations.

Project Induction and Orientation Meeting

After a successful capacity assessment, we were thrilled to be selected as one of the three national NGOs from Borno State to implement the KP-CARE 2 Project. This exciting milestone led to our participation in a rigorous 4-week induction, orientation, and capacity-building phase designed to enhance our expertise in key areas, including:

• Strategic Planning
• Gender Mainstreaming
• Proposal and Report Writing
• Monitoring and Evaluation
• Communications and Media Engagement
• Time Management
• Financial Management

During this intensive program, we had the opportunity to collaborate with other KP-led organizations from Kano and Taraba states. This experience allowed us to exchange best practices, share insights, and explore opportunities for future partnerships. The session significantly strengthened our capacity to deliver on the project's goals and prepared us for successful implementation.

Transitioning into the Green-housing Phase

After completing the induction, orientation, and capacity-building stages, we embarked on the next step of our growth journey: the greenhousing phase. This phase employs a mentorship and job-shadowing model designed to strengthen our capacity by allowing project staff to work directly with Society for Family Health (SFH) team members at their respective offices.

The goals of this phase are threefold:

1. To foster hands-on learning and deepen our understanding of SFH’s ways of working.
2. To build the essential relationships required for the successful implementation of the KP-CARE 2 Project.
3. To gain practical knowledge of the dynamics of key population programming, ensuring that our approach is well-informed and effective.

The green-housing phase equips us with the leadership and ownership necessary to align our objectives with the project’s goal, ultimately increasing demand for and access to comprehensive HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment services for key populations. This strategic approach ensures we are prepared to drive sustainable outcomes in our target communities.

Through collaborative efforts and dedicated service, RIA is committed to making a significant impact in the fight against HIV. We look forward to continuing our work and sharing more updates on the progress of this vital project.

Thank you for your support, and stay tuned for more?information!

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