Table of Content for the Annual report 2003

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OUR STRATEGY FOR YEAR 2002 -2007

TABLE OF CONTENT PAGE

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
LIST OF ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS

1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 TASC BACKGROUND
1.2 PHYSICAL LOCATION
1.3 Vision
1.4 Mission Statement
1.5 Goal
1.6 Objectives

2. SITUATIONAL ANALYSIS

2.1 National / Swaziland Situation
2.2 Organizational {TASC} Analysis

3. KEY FOCUS AREAS OF INTERVENTION

3.1 Strengthen community outreach service for voluntary HIV/AIDS counselling and testing s(VCT) through-out Swaziland
3.2 Strengthen gender mainstreaming approaches to HIV/AIDS prevention and mitigation strategies
3.3 Initiate and promote legal service and human rights awareness for grassroots persons with particular focus to women
3.4 Promote medical and health care for people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWH/A)
3.5 Promote social care for PLWH/A
3.6 Upgrade the rapid HIV testing facilities
3.7 Enhance initiative process for decentralizing VCT to other regions and sub - regions in Swaziland
3.8 Strengthen HIV/AIDS counsellor trainings and the continuum of care referral system.
3.9 Assess and document acceptability and appropriate usage of the female and male condoms particularly at grassroots level through baseline surveys and other monitoring procedures.
3.10 Explore, design and conduct related HIV/AIDS data collection research
3.11 Enhance strategic promotions of IEC and IT activities.
3.12 Organizational development and sustainability
3.13 Strengthen capacity building of health professionals in the management of STIs,TB and AIDS related infections

4. IMPLEMENTATIONS

4.1 Participation of target population groups
4.2 Co-operation with other AIDS Service Organization

5. TASC MANAGEMENT STRUCTURES

5.1 Structure and composition of the TASC executive and management bodies
5.2 TASC organogram for implementation of programs
5.3 Board of Directors
5.4 The Executive Director
5.5 The Head of Programs
5.6 Administrator/Finance officer
5.7 Counsellors
5.8 Trainer/Educator
5.9 Community motivator
5.10 Projects Processing Officer
5.11 International Development Workers/Volunteers
5.12 Administration Assistant (Receptionist/Secretary)
5.13 Driver/Logistic Office Assistant

6. MONITORING, EVALUATION AND DISSEMINATION OF REPORTS

7. RESOURCE MOBLISATION

7.1 Sources of funding

8. SUSTAINABILITY

9. CONCLUSION AND PROGRESS

ACRONYMS & ABBREVIATIONS

AIDS Acquired Immuno Deficiency Syndrome
AMICAALL African Mayors' Initiative Against AIDS at Local Level
ASO AIDS Service Organization
CMTC Crisis Management and Technical Committee
DFID Department For International Development
FLAS Family Life Association of Swaziland
HIV Human Immune Deficiency Virus
IEC Information, Education and Communications
IT Information Technology
MOHSW Ministry of Health and Social Welfare
NGO Non Governmental Organization
OSISA Open Society Initiative for Southern Africa
PLWH/A People Living With HIV/AIDS
SASO Swaziland AIDS Support Organization
SNAP Swaziland National AIDS Program
SwaNASO The Swaziland Network of AIDS Service Organizations
STD Sexually Transmitted Diseases
STI Sexually Transmitted Infections
TASC The AIDS Information and Support Centre
TB Tuberculosis
VCT Voluntary Counselling and Testing
WUSC World University Service of Canada
WLSA Women and Law in Southern Africa

1. INTRODUCTION

The AIDS Information and Support Centre (TASC) is a Non Governmental Organization, which began in 1989 as a Project HOPE AIDS project, and was later officially registered as a locally based NGO in 1992. The organization has done a remarkable job in the prevention and control of HIV infection. By 2001 TASC continued to be the only real provider of voluntary walk-in counselling and HIV antibody testing service centre (VCT) in Swaziland with a rural outreach program which covers 21 communities in the 4 regions of Swaziland.

1.1 TASC BACKGROUND

TASC core services revolve around risk reduction, counselling, promotion of positive living concepts and HIV antibody testing. In order to provide a more comprehensive and result oriented service to its clients, related activities are conducted both to drop-in clients and rural community outreach centres. These include voluntary counselling and testing (VCT) services, motivation of usage and distribution of male and female condoms, production and distribution of information, education and communication (IEC) materials such as pamphlets, booklets, posters, and others. All of TASC approaches are strategically designed to support reduction of new HIV infection rates, and to mitigate effects of AIDS on both the infected and affected persons. Services are aimed at empowering individuals and groups with appropriate knowledge, awareness, coping skills, negotiation skills, and protection strategies.

Since establishment in October 1989, the organization has successfully initiated an outreach rural community HIV/AIDS VCT and awareness service that presently reaches 21 communities. Other substantive activities include, enhancing capacity of formal and informal institutions to incorporate HIV/AIDS education, care and support service provision to their cohorts. These include traditional healer's organizations, nurse professionals, the private sector and rural based peer educators. TASC initiated training of health professionals in the syndromic management of sexually transmitted diseases and HIV/AIDS in 1995. In 1993, the organization made the unthinkable break through in forming the first support group of people living with HIV/AIDS in Swaziland.

1.2 PHYSICAL LOCATION

TASC is located in the centre of the Manzini region and has a rural outreach project which covers 21 communities' countrywide. The central office is based in the Manzini city centre, provides both clientele service and administrative activities.

The AIDS information and Support centre is situated in the Manzini region with 43.95%
of her clients from the Manzini region, 22.86% from the Hhohho region, 19.51%
from the Shiselweni region and 13.68% from the Lubombo region (TASC 2000 Annual
report). The organization has an out reach project covering 21 rural communities in
Swaziland. The organization has realized the need for building a permanent centre
in order to provide comprehensive care and reduce on the cost of renting the existing
offices.

1.3 TASC's Vision

In the long run TASC wishes to expand its services to the other three regions and to secure permanent HIV/AIDS counselling sites (minimizing rental costs), in the mean time to decentralize the walk-in voluntary counselling and testing service to at least one other region. With the acquisition of good funding sources, the organization aims to strengthen the training component for HIV/AIDS.

1.4 TASC Mission Statement

· Employ the services which will support the decrease of the incidence and prevalence of HIV/AIDS in Swaziland
· Promote and strengthen the support services to individuals and families infected and affected by HIV/AIDS

1.5 The goal

· TASC's goal is to support the HIV/AIDS education, prevention, counselling and support services of the government of Swazialnd, and other collaborators in the field, in an effort to control the infection rate, and mitigate the effects of HIV/AIDS on the Swazi population.

1.6 TASC Objectives

· To promote HIV/AIDS education through information and communication activities geared at controlling the spread of HIV in Swaziland
· To inform the public on HIV/AIDS support services available at the centre,
· To motivate and promote collaboration between the centre and other organizations, governmental or non-governmental, and individuals who are committed to HIV/AIDS risk reduction efforts
· To facilitate and promote HIV/AIDS related counselling services
· To enhance capacity of individuals, groups and communities in coping and mitigating HIV/AIDS related problems.

2. SITUATION ANALYSIS

2.1 National / Swaziland Situation

The rate of HIV infection in Swaziland continues to pose challenges to all stakeholders and concerned parties. " More recent information indicates that most of the countries in sub-Saharan Africa hardest hit by the scourge are located in southern Africa. In Botswana, Lesotho, Swaziland and Zimbabwe 24 to 36 per cent of the population aged 15-49 is living with AIDS"(SADC Regional Development Report 2000)

Swaziland which has the second highest HIV prevalence rate in the world after Botswana, suffers from a generalized HIV/AIDS epidemic with an estimated HIV prevalence in Ante-Natal Care (ANC) clients of 34.2%. The national HIV prevalence in STI clients was estimated at 50.2% and that TB patients are co-infected with HIV. (7th HIV Sentinel Serosurveillance Report 2000)

2.2 Organizationa Analysis

The activities of the organization are mainly based on two approaches which are activities within TASC office including outreach visits and the Rural Women and HIV/AIDS prevention and mitigation outreach project which provides gender mainstreaming on sexual and reproductive health issues with focus on HIV and STD prevention, counselling, HIV antibody testing, training of community peer educators and volunteers, HIV/AIDS education, video shows, distribution of IEC materials, promotion and distribution of the male and female condoms. The following tables reflect the number of people reached and material distribution during the 12 month period of year 2000:

TABE 1. SUMMARY OF ACTIVITIES FOR 2001: TASC CENTRAL OFFICE
Activity Number of people reached Number of material distributed Number of HIV Positive People % HIV Positive Women
counselled clients
(pre-test, post-test, re-test, preventive, ongoing support) 2132 N/A* 175 65.14
National events 14,750 N/A N/A N/A
Information Education and Communication activities 601 N/A N/A N/A
Program support activities: Response to invitations from other organizations 9323 N/A N/A N/A
HIV/AIDS Literature N/A 14,551 175 65.14
Telephone help-line service 200 N/A 27 56.50
Female condoms promotion N/A 38
175
65.14
Male condoms promotion N/A 5826

* N/A denote not applicable or not available to the category

By end of 2007 TASC is aiming to have increased by 50% services provided at the Manzini based centre where counselling, testing, care continuum, education, related data collection and information are provided.

TABE 2. SUMMARY OF ACTIVITIES FOR 2001: RURAL OUTREACH PROJECT

Activity Number of people reached Number distributed Number of HIV Positive People % HIV Positive Women
counselled clients
(pre-test, post-test, re-test, preventive, ongoing support) 475 N/A 39 56.41
Information Education and Communication 4,819 N/A N/A N/A
HIV/AIDS Literature N/A 23,17 N/A N/A
Female condoms promotion N/A 2344
39 56.41
Male condoms promotion N/A 90,000

By end of year 2007 TASC is aiming to have increased by 75% the number of people reached at community based grass-root areas where HIV/AIDS counselling, testing, care continuum, education, data collection and information are provided.

TASC expects to be involved extensively providing technical assistance towards the establishment of VCT centres at most or all of the municipalities, industries, and hospitals through the AMICAALL project, the Swaziland Business Coalition Against HIV/AIDS and regional hospitals.

3. KEY FOCUS AREAS OF INTERVENTION

3.1 Strengthen community outreach service for voluntary HIV/AIDS counselling and testing (VCT) through out Swaziland

There are about 13 areas that TASC would focus on during this five year period. The focus areas are inter-linked aimed at taking forward the current projects and program areas in order to derive effective and efficient service performance to TASC clients through out Swaziland.

Objectives

To increase the number of people coming for counselling in the 21 rural communities from 5000 to 15,000 in a one year period

To increase the number of people in the twenty-one rural communities attending HIV/AIDS education sessions from 4000 to 8,000 in a one year period

To increase the number of clients coming for HIV antibody testing from 250 clients to 600 in the rural communities within one year

To increase utilization of TASC services by people both at the urban and grassroots level from 102,722 to 160,000 in a one year period

Activities

Provide Counselling (pre test, post test, supportive, on going and preventive counselling)
Provide HIV Antibody testing and ret test
Train community peer educators
Provide IEC materials (HIV/AIDS literature)
Distribute female and male condoms
Compile daily, monthly, quarterly, half year and annual reports
Strategies
Conduct HIV/AIDS awareness campaigns around Swaziland
Identify and provide VCT, HIV/AIDS education to the 21 rural communities
Training of community peer educators in the 21 rural communities
Increase the distribution of male and female condoms at the rural areas in Swaziland
Promote the usage of the AIDS Help line through constant publicity
Strengthen supportive and on going counselling
Upgrade and enhance performance of the rapid HIV testing facilities

3.2 Strengthen gender mainstreaming approaches to HIV/AIDS prevention and mitigation strategies.

Objectives

To empower all gender groups with information on gender issues with regard to HIV/AIDS in the four regions of Swaziland by 2007

To scrutinize gender roles in HIV/AIDS prevention and care

Activities :

Train rural women and men in the 21 rural communities on their respective roles in HIV/AIDS prevention and mitigation strategies

Distribute and promote proper usage and storage of female and male condoms to clients

Production and distribution of IEC materials with information on Gender and HIV

Compile monthly, quarterly, half year and annual reports

Strategies:

Strengthen the TASC rural Women and AIDS project in order to emphasise gender roles in HIV/AIDS prevention and mitigation

Design a training manual on the roles men and Women play in curbing HIV/AIDS in their various communities

Increase the distribution of male and female condoms the rural areas in Swaziland

Set up poverty reduction strategies as influencing factors in HIV/AIDS

3.3 Initiate and promote legal service and human rights' awareness for grassroots persons with particular focus to women.

Objectives:

To provide people living with HIV/AIDS and affected families
knowledge of their legal rights regards issues like wills and property

To empower marginalised community based women and men with knowledge and skills on their rights with regard safe to safe sexual practices

Activities:

Conduct baseline survey on what legal aspects are needed by the PLWH/A and the affected families

Train infected and affected families and community members on their legal rights, roles and responsibilities

Provide sub-contracted legal services for TASC clients and outreach sites at the rural communities particularly for women and PLWH/A

Distribute IEC HIV/AIDS and legal awareness promotion literature

Compile monthly, quarterly, half year and annual reports

Strategies:

Create a partnership with legal professional professionals and entities such as WILSA and others to help us with the legal aspects and approaches to this component

Conduct awarnesses campaigns with legal professionals as a means of enhancing awareness on legal human rights as an empowerment strategy for our clients and groups we reach

Liase with other legal services and enhance legal service

Promote the usage of the AIDS Help line

Mobilize resources to sustain the component on legal service

3.4 Promote medical care for people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWH/A)

TASC clients who test HIV positive are usually referred to other health service centres such as hospitals and clinics. It has been established that these clients rarely go to their referral clinics hence creating a need to sub contract a part time medical practitioner to monitor HIV positive clients is in demand in Swaziland.

The introduction of medical care for the TASC clients will encourage HIV positive clients and the affected families to come in for continuous on going/supportive counselling, medical check-up and other social support. This would aid improving their quality of health and subsequently reduce early morbidity and mortality rates associated with HIV infection.

Objectives:

To provide prophylactic medical care and treatment of common opportunistic infections for clients who test HIV positive at TASC and those referred by other health care providers.

To increase the number of clients who come in for supportive and on-going counselling in both the TASC central office and 21 rural communities TASC reaches.

To strengthen continuum of care of HIV/AIDS clients by maintaining and monitoring early referral for specialised medical attention.

Activities

The activities will include providing curative/care to selected patients based on individual clientele needs

Identify and refer early for treatment of opportunistic infections

Provide appropriate clinical care advice

Compile monthly, quarterly, half year and annual reports

Provide investigations to patients and refer for service such as for CD 4,8 counts

Strategies

Sub-contract part-time medical practitioner(s) to help monitor HIV/AIDS infected clients at the central TASC office and at the 21 rural community sites reached by TASC

Integrate clinical care with regular ongoing/supportive counselling

Network and reciprocate with other HIV/AIDS clinical care centres and health care providers for an enhanced continuum of care

Liaise with other terminal care service providers such as Salvation Army, Swaziland Hospice at Home, Community Based Health Care Teams, and others for an enhanced continuum of care.

Promote the usage of the AIDS Help line by constant advertisement

3.5 Promote social and economic support for PLWH/A

This component is aimed at reducing poverty and it's associated effects on PLWH/A and their families. The effects of HIV and AIDS infection on an individual may result in losses of paid jobs, inability to conduct income generating activities which inadvertently would affect the health of the PLWH/A and their families. These services would be those that will assist the PLWH/A to live a positive life, reducing stress and gaining early access to appropriate treatments for AIDS related complexes (ARCs).

Objective:

To mobilise resources for PLWH/A in order to improve their quality of life, reducing morbidity and mortality rate associated with HIV/AIDS

Activities

Identify/explore income generation projects (IGPs) suitable for individuals and groups

Set up of self help projects/schemes/income generating projects for PLWHA living with HIV/AIDS

Encourage training in small and medium entrepreneurship (SME)

Strengthen support groups of PLWH/A and their significant other

Mobilise resources to sustain component

Conduct supportive on going counselling to PLWH/A and their significant other

Compile monthly, quarterly, half year and annual reports

Strategies

Linkage and reciprocation with urban and rural based social service providers in support for needs of persons affected by AIDS such as provide nutritious food and food supplements, community and home care and to fulfill other necessary health-boost logistics.

Linkage and reciprocation with SME management training institutions such as LULOTE , Balolongi, MITC, Council of Swaziland Churches, Caritas and other similar entities

Provision of supportive on going counselling to PLWH/A and their families

Liaison with other support groups of PLWH/A such as the AIDS Support Organizations (SASO) and those linked to other AIDS Service Organizations (ASOs)

Promotion of the usage of the AIDS Help line

Supervision and follow up of TASC trained peer educators

Promotion and support of poverty reduction strategies

Mobilisation of resources to sustain the component

3.6 Upgrade the rapid HIV testing facilities

The increasing need for rapid HIV antibody testing can not be over emphasized. TASC initiated this service on a small scale from early 1999. The desire to establish and sustain the mini-laboratory should be accomplished by early 2002. TASC hopes that donor agencies get into partnership with the organization to help the counsellors realise the goal to provide test results within minutes as opposed to the two weeks waiting period.

Objectives

To increase the number of clients coming for HIV antibody testing from 500 clients to 1000 from TASC central office and increase from 250 clients to 500 in the rural communities within a period of 1 year.

To reduce the 2 weeks waiting period for HIV test results to at least 45 minutes hour or less.

To enhance positive attitudes towards HIV antibody testing thereby increasing the number of clients deciding to test

Activities (deleted information to be re-typed)

Identify and recruit 1 part time qualified laboratory technician to help with technical logistics of setting up the service

Identify operation area for establishing the laboratory

Procure HIV rapid test kits, and other blood specimen collection materials

Procure laboratory support equipment (computer, centrifuge, record books, laboratory forms, filling cabinets, hand basin/sink, water container and disinfectants)

Conduct quality HIV antibody tests

Conduct ongoing voluntary counselling and testing (VCT)

Conduct awareness campaigns about TASC services to the general public through constant advertisement, using the mass media

Develop safety guidelines for transportation of specimens from the rural areas to the central TASC and government laboratories

Establish an internalized information system for the laboratory data

Analyze and disseminate laboratory data

Strategy

Sub-contract qualified clinical laboratory technician(s)

Facilitate and promote VCT through mass media

Promote awareness about TASC services to the general public

3.7 Enhance initiative process for decentralising VCT to other regions and sub -
regions in Swaziland

VCT centres in other regions will provide counselling and testing to a larger population and facilitate an effective rural outreach activity project. VCT services will be enhanced through same day rapid HIV antibody testing, resulting in the increase of the number of people utilizing VCT services and increasing the likely hood of clients returning for the confirmation test results. The VCT centres will increase access to counselling, antibody testing and distribution of IEC materials usage of the female and male condoms through out the whole country

Objectives

To establish VCT centres at any two other regions or sub-regions in Swaziland

To support establishment of VCT centres at municipalities and industries in Swaziland

To increase the number of people coming for counselling in TASC central office and in the 21 rural communities from 5000 to 15,000 in a period of one year

To increase the number of people in the twenty-one rural communities and TASC central office attending HIV/AIDS education sessions from 9000 to 15,000 in a one year period

To support primary risk reduction to HIV infection

To increase number of HIV positive people receiving ongoing support counselling

Activities

Secure furniture and equip counselling offices in various regions

Recruit at least 4 more counsellors/educators (wherether volunteers and/or salaried)

Provide HIV/AIDS related counselling
Conduct primary HIV antibody testing and re-tests

Train monitor and support more community based peer educators

Produce and distribute HIV/AIDS support literature

Distribute female and male condoms

Mobilise resources to sustain the component

Compile and disseminate monthly, quarterly, half year and annual reports

Strategies:

Initiate a decentralized HIV/AIDS counselling post eventually to cover all the regions

Increase reduction of risks of new HIV infections

Conduct HIV/AIDS awareness campaigns around Swaziland

Training of community peer educators in the existing 21 rural communities with a prospective incorporation of other needy remote communities

Increase the distribution of male and female condoms in both the urban and the rural areas in Swaziland

Promote the usage of the AIDS Help line through constant advertising

Provide the rural and urban population with accurate and comprehensive HIV/AIDS information through education

Facilitate and promote voluntary counselling and testing (VCT) and other AIDS services through advertisement both in the urban and rural areas.

Facilitate technical support to the AMICAALL and the Business Coalition Against HIV/AIDS for establishment of VCTs

Promote awareness about TASC services to the general public through Advertisement

Establish reciprocal partnership with municipalities and the local industries and other interest partners in enhancing VCT services

Mobilize resources to sustain the component

3.8 Strengthen HIV/AIDS counsellor trainings and the continuum of care
referral system

Objectives

To build the capacity of HIV/AIDS counselors in the management of HIV/AIDS & STDS related infections

To develop a well defined reciprocal referral system for PLWH/A between TASC, the clinical care systems and the household for continuity of care

Activities:

Compile data base of all trained HIV/AIDS counsellors in Swaziland

Conduct baseline training needs assessment survey

Identify trainers and trainees

Review modules for HIV/AIDS counsellor curricula development

Conduct workshops and seminars

Conduct training and in service training for TASC staff and other partners

Conduct ongoing support monitoring and supervision

Mobilise resources to sustain the component

Evaluate component (annually)

Compile and disseminate monthly, quarterly, half year and annual reports

Strategies:

Liase with MOHSW /SNAP
Liase with other local and international institutions that conduct HIV/AIDS related counsellor trainings

3.9 Assess and document level of acceptability, usage and accessibility of the female and male condoms through baseline surveys and ongoing monitoring particularly at the grassroots level.

Objectives

To promote positive attitudes towards the female and male condoms in promotion of safer sexual practices

To increase condom usage at the grassroots level and in the urban areas
from 45,000 to 70,000 and from 950 to 3,000 female condoms within a 1 year period.
Activities

Identify participants at TASC central office and 21 rural communities to participate in condom survey

Conduct population sampling

Design and develop survey tools (questionnaire/question guides)

Conduct interviews and focus group discussions

Conduct counselling and testing for HIV, STI's (RPR), and pregnancy as parameters for measuring consistent and non-consistent use of condoms

Conduct three monthly visits to survey participants for monitoring purposes

Supply participants constantly with female and male condoms

Compile and analyze data

Compile and disseminate report quarterly, half yearly and annually

Strategies:

Constant supply of female and male condoms to clients and people in the 21 rural communities and at TASC central office

Liase with the Mbabane hospital laboratory and central public health laboratory (CPHL) for referrals purpose

Liase with SNAP and other stakeholders for sustainability of the component

3.10 Explore, design and conduct related HIV/AIDS data collection research

Objectives

To establish the level of effectiveness of TASC services

To update the organisation with the new trend of HIV/AIDS epidemic

To enhance focus and guidance in the strategic response to the HIV/AIDS pandemic

Activities

Conduct baseline needs assessment surveys with respective participants

Liase with institutions like UNISA and UNISWA for the purpose of conducting quality research

Conduct data collection research

Identify and contract research consultants (based on consultancy needs)

Interpretation of research results

Conduct workshops and seminars

Computerise data on internationally networked computers and increase effective HIV/AIDS information sharing and communication

Network with other AIDS service organisations conducting research

Continuously mobilise resources in support of respective research

Compile analyzed data and disseminate quarterly, half year and annual reports

Strategies

Training of TASC personnel on research

Liase with AIDS service organisation, UNISWA, MOHSW/SNAP on research and data collection needs and selective approaches

3.11 Enhance strategic promotion of IEC and IT activities

Objectives

To internally network organisational computers in order to improve inter-departmental communication and information sharing more effectively

To promote access to TASC information for clients, donors and other interested parties and stakeholders through the internet

To promote networking with other AIDS service organisations (ASOs)

To continuously provide the rural and urban population with accurate and comprehensive HIV/AIDS information through distribution of IEC materials and on site educational activities

Activities

Identify/recruit staff member to focus on IEC and IT related issues

Train TASC staff to maximize effective usage of the computers and internet for organizational development.

Monitor and evaluate effectiveness of IT and IEC activities

Mobilise resources to sustain the component

Compile and disseminate monthly, quarterly, half year and annual reports

Strategies

Ongoing production and distribution of HIV/AIDS literature/material

Maximise utilisation of the mass media on HIV/AIDS issues:
Articles, press statements, panel discussions, interviews/discussions, advertisement,etc

Establish an effective website

3.12 Organisational development and sustainability

This component seeks to ensure long-term provision of HIV/AIDS prevention and AIDS mitigation services provided by TASC. The areas for focus in this component include securing permanent operational sites and enhancing staff performance.

Objectives;

To ensure sustainable expansive TASC services to its clientele in support of the reduction of HIV/AIDS rates in Swaziland

To provide a more comprehensive service which include prevention and care

To reduce on rental expenditure of TASC premises

To expand and sustain donor support for specific HIV/AIDS projects conducted by TASC

To increase the number of people reached by TASC from 100,000 in a year to 600,000 people by 2007

Activities:

Mobilise resources internally and internationally for projects and operational sites: land, finances and qualified personnel

Build a permanent TASC Centre/ Home

Provide AIDS related trainings and counselling

Conduct an effective reciprocal and referral system for professional medical care for PLWH/A

Establish and strengthen effective research support units

Compile monthly, quarterly, half year and annual reports

Strategies:

Acquisition of permanent sites: land and building

Work on vision for terminal HIV/AIDS care centre

Explore and secure long-term funding for projects

Explore and secure affiliation and accreditation to local and international HIV/AIDS related institutes such as with the centre for Disease Control, and others

Encourage post graduate training and other capacity building areas for TASC staff

3.13 Resuscitate and strengthen capacity building of health professionals in the
management of STIs,TB and other AIDS related infections

Objectives

To enhance professional diagnosis and treatment of STIs, TB and HIV/AIDS related infections

To support the reduction of the HIV/AIDS infection rate among the Swazi population

To support reduction of the vertical mother to child HIV transmission

To promote and improve continuum of care for people living with HIV/AIDS

To review treatment and management protocols of STIs, TB and AIDS related infections

To increase the number of health personnel trained in the management of STIs, TB and AIDS related infections

Activities:

Compile data base of previously trained health personnel

Conduct respective baseline needs assessment survey

Identify trainers and trainees within health institutions around Swaziland

Review modules for curriculum development

Conduct trainings , in service training, and TASC staff development

Conduct monitoring and on going supervision of trained personnel

Conduct referrals of patients

Mobilise resources to sustain the component

Compile and disseminate monthly, quarterly, half year and annual reports

Strategies:

Review treatment and management protocols of STIs, TB and other AIDS related infections

Sub-contract part-time clinician(s) to conduct and advice in the management of HIV/AIDS related infections

Liase with MOHSW/SNAP and other health facilities within Swazialnd

Promote and improve continuum of care for PLWH/A

Increase promotion of usage and distribution of female and male condoms

4. IMPLEMENTATION

4.1 Participation of target groups

The target groups that comprise TASC clients include women, men, and the youth, within the urban and rural communities. TASC has been training community peer educators providing them with skills to provide service to other community members with HIV/AIDS reduction and care services. The peer educators participate in planning for programs to be undertaken in their respective communities.

The chiefs and their councils, who are the local leaders in these communities, participate in decision making and planning of programs, as through these structures. TASC is able to reach these communities.

Some of our clients in the TASC central office are volunteers for the organization, and they participate in the provision of services to clients and the general public

4.2 Cooperation with other organizations.

TASC is a member of the Coordinating Assembly of Non Governmental Organization commonly referred to as CANGO, the umbrella body for not for profit NGOs. TASC also Networks with other AIDS service organizations through the HIV/AIDS consortium formed in 1998/1999. The almost 20 membership of the AIDS consortium involves non-governmental organizations either directly involved in HIV/AIDS activities and those that have incorporated HIV/AIDS work in their mission. TASC is a member NGO of another local network of ASOs, the Swaziland Network of AIDS Service Organizations (SwaNASO) established in the early 1990s. SwaNASO is affiliated to the regional Southern Africa Network of AIDS Service Organizations (SANASO) which support capacity building of ASOs in the delivery of HIV/AIDS prevention and care services in the region.

At national level the organization works in collaboration with the Swaziland National AIDS Programme (SNAP) of the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and the National HIV/AIDS Emergency Response Committee a multi-sector body which replaced the HIV/AIDS Crisis Management and Technical Committee in December 2001.

At international level the organization forms part of the networks of the Southern Africa Network of AIDS Service Organization known as SANASO, and the diverse donor community, such as Open Society Initiative for Southern Africa, Brot fuer die welt, the UN system and others.

For continuum of care TASC collaborates with the local hospitals and clinics in the four regions of the country. Clients who test HIV antibody positive and are in need of specialized medical care and/or constant home visitation, are referred to any one of the centres for clinical and palliative care.

5. TASC: ORGANIZATIONAL MANAGEMENT CAPACITY

5.1 Structure and composition of the TASC executive and management bodies

TASC has an organizational constitution and a general policy document. The two documents help to guide overall organizational performance and development. There is an official Patron, Her Royal Highness Inkhosikati la-Matsebula, and ten members on the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors represent diverse community groups and selective institutions. By end of year 2001, the following persons and organizations were representatives on the Board.

TASC Board of Directors and Their Representation

5.2 TASC ORGANOGRAM FOR IMPLEMENTATION

PATRON H.R.H Inkhosikati La-Matsebula

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

HEAD OF PROGRAMME ADMINISTRATION/FINANCE OFFICER

counsellLOR x 1 RECEPTIONIST/ ADMIN. ASSISTANTX1

EDUCATOR/Trainers X1 DRIVER X1

COMMUNITY MOTIVATOR x2 CLEANER X1

PROJECTS PROCESSING OFFICER x1

OVERSEAS DEVELOPMENT WORKER x1

Management is comprised of the Board of Directors, Executive Director, Head of Programmes and Administration/Finance Officer. The Executive Director liaises direct with the Board of Directors and with Her Royal Highness, The Patron.

5.3 Board of Directors; As a representative of a specific identified category, each board member contributes to the development of the organization by, providing supportive guidance, direction and lead the organization towards achieving its goals and objectives. The board is also responsible for updating TASC's constitution and to help the organization develop effective strategies on income generation for organizational sustainability. They also render support for People Living With HIV/AIDS (PLWHA)

5.4 Executive Director: Amassed with vast knowledge, experience, management, administrative skills, the director provides professional organizational leadership. The position responsibilities include: ensuring appropriate designs, implementation and review procedures of the organization; is entrusted with conducting overall supervision of technical, administrative, support staff, and volunteers as they perform duties towards realizing goals and objectives of TASC; enhances cooperation and respective networking with donor agencies, governmental and non governmental entities, community based formations, both at national and international levels; with the acquired knowledge, experience and skills in organizational management, and knowledge of the subject matter, the director ensures professional performance and objectivity in reaching population groups within the organization's service provision; perform liaison duties with the Patron of the organization. The position reports to the Board of Directors

5.5 Head of Programmes: A health professional with advanced program management experience and skills. Responsibilities for this position include working alongside the director, for strategic design of programs, implementation, monitoring and program reviews; supervises all programme officers, support staff and volunteers; conducts periodic appraisals for programme officers; advises the director on organizational performance; with the advanced knowledge and skills in health related issues, is responsible for supporting capacity building of health care professionals as a component programme; acts in the absence of the director: Position reports to the Director

5.6 Administrator/Finance Officer: Accounting professional with experience and skills in computerized accounting and organizational administration. The position works closely with the director, and head of programmes in the design and development of financial management and maintenance systems, including office supplies, equipments, and vehicles; prepares monthly, quarterly, half-yearly and annual financial accounting, prepares for annual auditing of finances and TASC assets; the position professionally prepares reports and participates in budgeting processes as per requirements for submission to donors, government and for retrieve as the need may arise; participate in the TASC's strategic planning processes for long term sustenance; the position is responsible for personnel management. The position reports to the executive director.

5.7 Counsellors:

Health sciences and related professional background such as diploma or degree in general nursing, community mental health, social science, and other related disciplines; responsibilities include upholding ethical codes in relation to clients and HIV related technical service provision; is knowledgeable on dynamics relating to HIV/AIDS counselling; is able to help clients develop life skills in view of risk reduction strategies; attend to walk-in clientele and the telephone help line; responsible for providing factual education and information on HIV/AIDS; respond to the telephone help-line; organize and conduct small and large group dynamics, such as with HIV/AIDS infected persons, their families and significant others; conduct research, data collection and analysis respective to counselling, education and community based programs; laze with other health care professionals and disciplines for program development relating to HIV/AIDS information, education, case management, continuum of care strategies and mentoring; conduct home visits for PLWA; compile and analyze data and reports related to the counselling service; compile and analyze data and reports related to the counselling service; The counsellors are also responsible for maintaining quality HIV rapid testing procedures; positions report to the head of programs

5.8 Educators/trainers:

The basic academic and professional background for these positions are social science and/or related disciplines, or health sciences and related disciplines. Skills and experience in training diverse groups in HIV/AIDS related work is essential; should have skills and experience in HIV/AIDS counselling; the positions are responsible for the design, development and implementation of the organization's annual training program; conduct risk reduction sessions with walk-in clientele; provide factual HIV/AIDS education and information as per need; respond to the telephone help-line; compile and analyze data and reports related to training and counselling service; organize and conduct small and large group dynamics, such as with community groups, HIV/AIDS infected persons, their families and significant others; liaison with other health professionals and other disciplines for programme development relating to HIV/AIDS case management and care strategies; conduct home visits for clients as the need may arise; positions report to the head of programmes

5.9 Community HIV/AIDS Service Motivators:

The basic qualifications include a university diploma in a university level n social sciences university diploma in adult education majoring in any social science subject this position is responsible for: mapping out areas of need for capacity building of target population groups; works closely with head of programs in the design development and review of community, and grassroots based related programmes; work in cooperation with all TASC counsellors, internal staff, external collaborators and community leadership; the position has knowledge, skills and experience in conducting small and large group dynamics in the promotion of reproductive health at community, private sector, regional (district) and central levels; designs and conducts research work in support of related programme areas; position reports to the head of programmes.

5.10 Projects Processing Officer: Social Science professional specially skilled in writing project proposal coupled with acquisition of experience on publish relations skills responsibilities include; working in close cooperation with all programme staff, and support staff at TASC; supervises and conducts data collection, compilation and analyses; compilation and write-up specified project(s) documents; conduct field visits to specified communities as the need may arise; performs other duties as may be instructed by the supervisor; timely compiles and submits monthly, quarterly and annual reports; Position reports to the Head of Programmes

5.10 Overseas Development Workers/Volunteers:

The international volunteers are recruited specifically to support organizational development based on their respective professional background and experience. The responsibilities vested on the international volunteers include supporting strategic development planning; promotion of IEC activities; development of peer counselling skills; support research related to the organisation's mandate; participate in monitoring of TASC programmes, proposal writing and fund raising strategies. Positions work close with the head of programs and the director.

5.11 Receptionist/administration assistant:

Certified with office practice and administrative assistance qualifications, this position is responsibilities for professionally performing office practice and coordinating office equipment maintenance tasks; answers and relays messages through the telephone without delay; attends to in-coming and out-going clients and business counterparts; handles all business with strictest confidentiality; types documents, coordinates incoming and outgoing mail; organizes business dairy for the director or designate; assists in procurement of office supplies and other utilities, supervises the driver and cleaner in their daily performance; position reports to the administration / finance officer

5.13 Driver/Vehicles Care Taker: Possession of a valid driver's license responsibilities include; responding to urgent errands as per instructions; maintains TASC vehicles in good running condition ready for use at all times; maintains clear, up to date records of gasoline usage and mileage ledger book; assist in loading vehicles with items for community and out-reach service; drives staff as required; assists in closing at end of day's business; dusts all furniture and equipment; cleans toilets and kitchen; collect mail and hand over to the Secretary; discard trash weekly and whenever the need arises for collection by city council; reports to secretary when going out and coming back into the office; assist in receiving clients and answering the telephone; performs other duties as may be assigned by any member of staff; position reports to the administration/finance officer

5.14 Office Assistant Responsibilities include; opening all curtains and windows to allow ventilation every morning; assist in closing same at the end of the day; perform thorough mopping, scrubbing and polishing floors; dust and/or polish all furniture and equipment; clean the toilets and kitchen; collect utensil, from offices to wash and pack in cupboards; clean windows and walls as required; respond to staff errands; collect mail and hand over to the secretary; keep an up-date record of utilities and report to the secretary for refill; respond to clients and telephone as required; position reports to the Secretary

6. MONITORING, EVALUATION AND DISSEMINATION OF PROJECT REPORTS

In agreement with the supporting agency a mid term or end of project evaluation is conducted by engaging local and/or external consultants. Annual auditing of project funds, and the organization 's consolidated audit continues to be performed and submitted to the supporting agencies. Monitoring and evaluation will largely consist of checking progress against the planned schedule of activities using monitoring tools

6.1 TASC monitoring and evaluation systems. Monitoring and evaluations are performed through the following:

Risk assessment and reduction
Monthly, quarterly, half-yearly and annual progress reports
Mid term project reviews and evaluations
Reports on the male and female condom distribution
Reports on IEC literature distribution
Reports on referrals made
Reports on help line calls received
Reports on number of PLWH/A receiving ongoing supportive counselling
Reports on number of PLW/HA receiving treatments
Reports on number of significant others to PLWH/A receiving on-going counselling
Records on people counselled
Records on people who have gone through HIV antibody testing
Records on quality control procedures used for HIV rapid test

6.2. Dissemination of reports

TASC reports are usually disseminated to stakeholders and donors on quarterly, half yearly and end of the year basis. Individual donors usually request when and how they need the organization's progress and financial reports. TASC Annual and Audit reports are usually distributed to stakeholders and donors during the first quarter of the year.

7. RESOUCE MOBILISATION and ORGANISATIONAL SUSTAINABILITY

The organization relies mainly on donor funds. Sourcing for project funds and programme support is performed on an ongoing basis. Dating back to 1998, the organization has received consistent support and partnership collaboration from local and external agencies and corporate firms.

Input from the diverse donor community range from an equivalence of US$200 from some agencies in one year and US$29,166 over a three year period by others. All supporting partners are recognized publicly through mass media which include listing in TASC's annual audit and progress reports.

The organization hopes that the support continues as long as the devastating prevalence of HIV/AIDS continues to be with us in Swaziland.

The current supporting partners (by end of year 2001) include the Swaziland government through the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Open Society Initiative for Southern Africa, Brot Fuer Die Welt, Tibiyo TakaNgwane Trust, Standard Bank of Swaziland Limited, the Rotary Club of Mbabane, ENGEN Petroleum company, the British government through the British Council, the British High Commission through the Department for International Development, Swaki Group of Companies, Canada Fund and the World University Service of Canada, Ubombo Illovo Sugar Company, Sappi Usuthu, the Australian government through the Australian High Commission based in Pretoria, Republic of South Africa.

8. SUSTAINABILITY

9. CONCLUSION AND PROGRESS

The role TASC as an AIDS Service Organization plays and yet to play in the HIV/AIDS arena in Swaziland is immense. The organization continues to appeal to everyone who is concerned about helping her to maximize its crucial role to help the Swaziland community to cope with the devastating effects of HIV/AIDS. Land acquisition and building funds are some of TASC's long term vision which will enable construction of a terminal care, training and counselling centre to help the staff provide holistic support service to our clients and partners. The degree to which TASC is to continue making an input in the HIV/AIDS response in Swaziland depends on the much needed support from the government of Swaziland, the Swazi people and the donor community both local and international. Without the support of these partners TASC interventions will not have much impact in the control and mitigation of the HIV pandemic in the country and the Africa region.

TASC like any other AIDS Service Organizations need dynamic interventions in order to improve on the already grave situation, which gets worse every day. Drastic measures have to be set up to change the trend HIV/AIDS is taking in Swaziland.