The document discusses improving knowledge sharing between academics and community organizations implementing HIV programs in South Africa. It describes a methodology used at the 4th South African AIDS conference to increase scholarship opportunities, workshops, and feedback sessions. A post-conference survey of 554 respondents found that cross-sector networking and key documents/references could help understand priority issues across academic, donor, government, NGO, and business sectors. The conclusion is that improved cross-sector partnerships and networking may help when there is lack of consensus on priority issues within sectors.

1. IMPROVING HIV KNOWLEDGE SHARING
BETWEEN ACADEMICS AND COMMUNITY
IMPLEMENTERS IN SOUTH AFRICA
Janine Mitchell
Foundation for Professional Development (FPD)
SAHARA Conference
30 Nov - 03 Dec 2009 - Gallagher Estate, Midrand
FPD

2. Rationale
In order for HIV programmes to evolve and be
effective, programme implementers must:
Have access to the latest information regarding HIV
Work across sectors to network and share knowledge
Aim
To increase knowledge sharing between the
academic and NGO sectors and focus specifically
on practical implementation strategies
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3. Methodology
During 4th SA AIDS Conference
Increased scholarship opportunities
Community orientation workshop
Daily feedback/dialogue sessions around key area
NGO office and helpdesk
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4. Methodology
Post 4th SA AIDS Conference
Conference
delegate/Implementers survey
NGO Forum – revisiting the
key areas
Release of the ‘Community
Implementers Guide’
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5. Survey Results
554 respondents (electronic survey)
Wanting to understand
Cross sectoral network
Networking focus
Key documents/references used
Understanding of priority issues • Academic/Research
Post conference implementation • International Donors
• Government
Cross tabulated by sector • NGOs/CBOs
• Private Business
• Media
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6. FPD

7. FPD

8. Total n = 554, A/R n=188, IO n=42, G n=92, NC n=221 M n=10 (Post-Conference Survey, Compass 2009)
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9. Conclusion
Need to improve cross-sector partnerships
Networking may be a tool
Sectors do not identify with specific priorities
Within sectors, there is no consensus of priorities
Conferences are an appropriate platform
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10. Thank You
Janine Mitchell
Head of Department: Compass Project
Foundation for Professional Development (FPD)
janinem@foundation.co.za
FPD