Makerere University School of Public Health’s Monitoring and Evaluation Technical Support (METS) Program together with Uganda AIDS Commission (UAC) supported 48 CDC supported districts to develop district specific HIV and AIDS Plans, M&E plans and one-year annual work plans.
The District Led Programming Initiative at METS (DLP) was established to enhance district led HIV and AIDS evidence-based programming through development of 5-year District HIV and AIDS Strategic Plans and implementation of Annual Work Plans based on a district-based information management system. The HIV Strategic Plans are aligned to the National Strategic Plan and DDP. The plans were approved by District councils before METS supported printing. These plans are intended to provide guidance in the implementation of the decentralized HIV response across all HIV stakeholders in each of the districts.
Each district in collaboration with METS, Uganda AIDS Commission and the Ministry of Health organized a meeting for key stakeholders to disseminate and launch the DSPs. These included national and district level participants including the political, religious, cultural, technical and other stakeholders in the dissemination. District participants included the RDC, District Chairpersons, Councilors, DHTs, Health facility staffs, IPs, religious leaders, cultural leaders, PHAs among others. The meetings were chaired by the CAOs and officiated by the RDCs and District Chairpersons. Discussions were held by the district to enrich their plans and understand the District Strategic plan better, as well as have a clear road map on implementation with all stakeholders engaging in implementation regarding their roles and responsibilities.
Feedback from participants:
Dr. Kugukumikiriza Muwanga – HIV Focal Person Kalangala
Participants in the dissemination exercise in Kalangala pose for a photo with the RDC-Caleb Tukaikiriza (centre with spects)
“METS was fundamental in the preparation of this document and the printing was a much-needed bonus due to the huge costs involved.”
Mr. Caleb Tukaikiriza – RDC Kalangala
“This report is well written, it pays attention to all the key areas and I am personally looking forward to putting it to full use.”
Mr. Grace Kisembo – CAO Lwengo
“This commendable intervention should be promoted and I look forward to working with METS.”
Ms. Janat Nabateregga – Lwengo Town Clerk’s Office
I am ready to work with METS to achieve effective implementation.”
Dr. Joseph Mutyogoma – DHO Lwengo
“The meeting has been constituted by all focal groups ranging from UAC to health workers and the district leadership; this is a sign that this will work.”
Hon. Jemba Juliet Wamala – Woman MP Mpigi
“METS is doing a lot for us and is currently training our HIV Focal Person in best practices of Governance, Leadership and Management.”
Ms. Resty Nakitende – Secretary for Health Gomba
“A Strategic Plan is meant to assist us during implementation of our HIV Activities, we have gained some milestones but I am confident that this document will help us overcome our current challenges if it is utilized.”
Ms. Resty Nakitende receiving the Gomba Strategic Plans from UAC’s Michael Matsiko (back row blue shirt)
Dr. Fred Mugera – DHO’s Office Gomba
We need consolidated efforts to combat HIV to ensure a productive community. METS has mentored us in various sectors and we are entirely grateful. We should not disappoint by failing to deliver.”
Rose Baryamutuuma – DLP Coordinator METS
“This document has all you need to know about HIV in your District and will help you streamline your interventions. As METS, we will continue to ensure that this strategy is implemented through semi-annual HIV score cards, district profiles and regional review meetings. We shall further enhance data use through quarterly bulletins and the GLM Fellowship to foster M&E as well as the implementation of this Strategic Plan.”
Rose Baryamutuuma (center in green) during a dissemination exercise
