With the goal of improving access to quality HIV prevention services, including voluntary counseling and testing, the HIV/AIDS Twinning Center established in 2007 a partnership between the Botswana Christian AIDS Intervention Program (BOCAIP) and the AIDS Support Organization in Uganda (TASO). In 2009, The Foundation for Professional Development (FPD) in South Africa replaced TASO as the donor partner.

The overall goal of this south-south partnership is to strengthen the capacity of BOCAIP to provide quality HIV counseling and testing programs in Botswana.

At the outset of the partnership, TASO conducted an organizational capacity assessment of BOCAIP to guide activities and trainings, as well as to ensure a coordinated effort among donor organizations. Based on that assessment, partners are working to:

• Improve organizational capacity as a means of making HIV counseling, testing, prevention, care, and support services more readily available to children and adults;
• Strengthen organizational capacity and quality of service by developing and implementing a quality assurance program;
• Develop a comprehensive Supportive Counseling Program; and
• Share experiences of TASO and FPD regarding implementation of an organizational capacity building program for CBOs.

This partnership is working closely with a second, very similar VCT partnership that pairs Tebelepole VCT in Botswana with the Nairobi, Kenya-based Liverpool VCT.

Liverpool VCT has trained and mentored BOCAIP and Tebelopele staff in the establishment of post-test clubs. The support has focused on developing post-test protocols and procedures, including a proper exit strategy for clients and improved linkages to existing support services.

Partners have also developed informational materials for clients and are in the process of developing a comprehensive supportive counseling program. This has included a training-of-trainers for three Botswana partners and counselor supervision training for staff from BOCAIP, Tebelopele, and the Botswana Defense Force.

Upcoming activities include trainings on child and youth counseling, continued support and training on the supportive counseling program, and training on programming for sex workers and hearing impaired individuals.

Updated November 14, 2011